Method and apparatus to realize virtual reality

ABSTRACT

The current invention relates to the method and apparatus to determine the focus point of a viewer from a single eye of the viewer in a viewing space. The claimed method detects the focus depth and the line of eye sight from said single eye. It further relates to the method to use the determined focus point to achieve virtual reality and augmented reality.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of the commonly assignedapplication bearing Ser. No. 14/162,758, filed Jan. 24, 2014, entitled“METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PRODUCE RE-FOCUSABLE VISION WITH DETECTINGRE-FOCUSING EVENT FROM HUMAN EYE,” which claims the benefit of theprovisional application bearing Ser. No. 61/756,443, filed on Jan. 24,2013, by Yuchen ZHOU, and entitled “Re-focusable stereo vision,” as wellas the benefit of the provisional application bearing Ser. No.61/771,091, filed on Mar. 1, 2013, by Yuchen ZHOU, and entitled“RE-FOCUSABLE STEREO VISION.”

BACKGROUND

The current invention generally relates to three-dimensional visualperception technology and more particularly to a system and method forrealizing real-time re-focusable stereo vision.

Stereo vision, or stereoscopic vision, better known as 3D vision,realizes three-dimensional visual perception of an object by recordingthe images of the same object from two different viewing angles, andthen displaying the two different images separately to each of the twoeyes of a viewer. The viewer perception from the separately shown imagesof the same object to different eyes is a three-dimensional objectexisting in the viewer's viewing space.

For motion picture utilizing stereo vision, i.e. 3D movies, imagerecording by the recording devices generally has only a single focusdepth. The objects not being focused upon by the recording devices stayde-focused in the recorded images and are perceived as blurred objectsto the viewer during stereoscopic playback of the 3D movies. In priorart practices of 3D recording and viewing, a viewer is not given theability to re-focus on the defocused and blurred objects as one can doin reality.

For a 3D viewing experience of the viewer to better simulate a real-lifethree-dimensional visualization of objects within the viewing space ofthe viewer, it is desirable for a viewer to be able to focus on theobjects of interest and be able to re-focus on new objects within thesame viewing space, following viewer's own re-focusing intention, forexample by viewer's eye lens change, eyeball position change orbrain-wave pattern change that naturally happen during a human visionre-focus event without viewer's active effort to change the focus depthof the shown images. Thus a reality viewing experience can be achieved.The ability of being able to focus on objects of interest by viewer'sintention, without active effort from viewer, during stereo vision,gives unprecedented advantage in its closest-to-reality viewingexperience. This ability will promote stereo vision's application inareas where varying focus depth vision provides best life-like visualcomprehension of an object of interest.

As shown in FIG. 1, vision of a human eye 11 is achieved by three keyoptical components that determine the imaging of surrounding objectsthat the eye can see: the Lens (eye-lens) 1, the Retina 2, and the Iris3. The lens 1 is the component that functions the same as the opticallenses used in cameras. Light reflected or emitted from an outsideobject passes through the pupil 9 and the lens 1. An optical image ofthe object is projected on the retina 2 with the light from the objectbeing re-focused by the lens 1. The lens 1 is controlled by the CiliaryMuscle 4 and Ligament 5 which can compress or stretch the lens 1 shape,which in turn changes the optical focus depth of the lens 1 and makesobjects at various distances from the viewer producing focused images onthe retina 2, and thus the viewer can see objects far or near clearly.This control of lens focus depth gives a viewer the ability to seeobjects near and far at will. The retina 2 is like a film screen withina camera. When the light from an object is passes through the lens landis projected onto the retina 2 and makes a clear and focused image, thevision cells of the retina 2 sense the color and intensity of theprojected image and send such information to human brain through theoptical nerves 6, and thus human vision is realized. The iris 3 controlsthe total amount of light that can go into the eye by adjusting thepupil 9 size, which helps maintain the right amount of light intensitythat goes into the eye 11 without damaging the retina cells.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating how normal human vision isachieved according to prior art. Same object 29 is projected intodifferent images 25 and 26 in different eyes 21 and 22 of a viewer dueto the angle of viewing is different for the two eyes 21 and 22. Theangle difference as inferred from the two images 25 and 26 of the sameobject 29 in the two eyes 21 and 22 as being perceived by the brain isused to extract the information as to how far the object 29 is from theviewer. When images of the same object 29 are taken at different viewingangles, and then projected separately onto the retina 24 of thedifferent eyes 21 and 22 of a viewer, the viewer can also have a similardistance perception of the object in the viewing space, where the objectis actually not existent. This gives rise to the stereo vision, or 3Dvision, meaning viewing of an object with a distance perception from theviewer.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating stereo-vision being achievedaccording to prior art. The principle function of all currently existingstereo-vision, or 3D vision, is the same, which includes: (1) Projectingtwo different images 391 and 392 of the same object 390 (not shown inFIG. 3) captured at two different angles on the same screen 38; (2)Allowing each eye 21 and 22 to see only one of the two images 391 and392; and (3) The viewer with each eye 21 and 22 seeing a different image25 and 26 taken at different angle of the same object 390 perceives animaginary object 39 in space that is at a distance from viewer differentthan the screen 38 where images 391 and 392 are shown.

When the stereo-vision is applied to a motion picture, a 3D movie isproduced. The methods used to achieve each eye viewing different imagesare accomplished by wearing 3D viewing glasses that can do any of: (1)filter polarized light; (2) filter light of different colors; and (3)have timed shutter being synchronized with the showing of differentviewing angle images on the screen. By showing the images of the sameobject recorded at different angles, arranging the images at differentlocations on the same screen, and using a method to individually showimage recorded at different view angel to different eye, viewerperceived an imaginary object in space at a distance from the viewerdifferent than the screen distance to the viewer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the problems of the prior artstereo-vision techniques. A fundamental drawback of all existingstereo-vision technique and 3D movie technique in the attempt tosimulate real-life viewing experience is that when the object images arecaptured from two different viewing angles, objects 391 and 392 that arefocused upon will show up as focused when projected on screen. Objects491 and 492 within the same scene but not focused upon during recordingwill stay defocused on the screen 38. Thus, when viewer perceived the 3Dimage, only the objects 391 and 392 that are focused upon during imagecapturing can be viewed clearly, while other objects 491 and 492 stayblurred. Viewer only sees a clear imaginary object 39 from the images391 and 392, while object 49 from images 491 and 492 are defocused. Theexisting prior art techniques do not allow viewer to view all objectswithin same scene clearly and does not have method to bring objects intofocus at viewer's own discretion. Even though other objects in therecorded images also show up on the same screen 38, due to the fact thatthe focus was only on the object where images 391 and 392 are takenfrom, other objects stay defocused. Thus, viewer's intention of focusingupon the objects 491 and 492 that are not currently in-focus cannot beachieved in conventional prior art stereo vision. This limitation makes3D vision of prior art an obvious deviation from reality. In comparison,in real life, for objects near or far, a viewer can freely adjust totheir distance with eye lens and eyeball pupil position change andachieve clear view of any object in the viewing angel. Prior art islimited in the ability of re-produce the real life like stereo-visionviewing experience.

It is desired to have a method and an apparatus that can achievereal-time re-focusable vision based on viewer re-focus intention tosimulate more life-like stereo-vision experience without active viewerparticipation or intervention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention proposes a novel method to realize the real-timere-focusable stereo vision with utilizing: (1) producing stereoscopicimages at multiple focus depth; (2) active sensing the intention ofvision re-focus from the viewer; and (3) retrieving and displaying ofthe images with the focus depth according to sensed viewer-desired focusdepth in real time to produce stereo vision to the viewer, whichreflects viewer's intended focus depth with objects of interest beingin-focus in viewer's vision.

This method provides the viewer the ability to view the objects ofinterest in focus at will, while not requiring the viewer's effort toactively participate to achieve such re-focus task.

This invention helps achieve 3D vision that most closely simulatesreal-life viewing experience, and can give the impression of viewing areal-life scene where viewer can focus on objects of interest with pureintention.

Viewer intention of re-focused is by sensing and calculating the naturalchanges of the eye lens shape and/or curvature, eye ball pupil position,or by brain-wave pattern.

Although this invention is intended to achieve re-focusable stereovision, same technique can also be used to achieve re-focusablenon-stereoscopic flat vision without limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating human eye's structureincluding the Lens, the Retina and the Iris.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating human vision being formedaccording to prior art.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating stereo-vision being formedaccording to prior art.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the limitation of the priorart stereo-vision techniques.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first implementation forthe step of recording of same scene simultaneously into multiple imageswith each image recorded with a different focus depth into the sceneaccording to the embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the second implementation forthe step of recording of same scene simultaneously into multiple imageswith each image recorded with a different focus depth into the sceneaccording to the embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the third implementation forthe step of recording of same scene simultaneously into multiple imageswith each image recorded with a different focus depth into the sceneaccording to the embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fourth implementation forthe step of recording of same scene simultaneously into multiple imageswith each image recorded with a different focus depth into the sceneaccording to the embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first implementation forthe step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according to theembodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the second implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating the third implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating the fourth implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram illustrating the fifth implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating the scanning procedure ofthe probing light 1241 by oscillating the optical emitter 124 of FIG.12A.

FIG. 12C is a schematic diagram illustrating the sixth implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 12D is a schematic diagram illustrating the scanning procedure ofthe probing light 1241 by oscillating the scanning mirror or prism 1242of FIG. 12C.

FIG. 12E is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of opticalsignals sensed by the optical detector 125 during scanning of theprobing light 1241 in FIG. 12B and FIG. 12D.

FIG. 12F is a schematic diagram illustrating the pupil positions of theeyes of the viewer when viewer is focusing on a far point.

FIG. 12G is a schematic diagram illustrating the pupil positions of theeyes of the viewer when viewer is focusing on a near point.

FIG. 12H is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of utilizingFIG. 12A implementation to sense a viewer's re-focus intention.

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram illustrating the seventh implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments with using a contact-lens type of see-through substratebeing used for the same purpose of the see-through substrates in theimplementations of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11A, and FIG. 11B.

FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram illustrating a contact-lens type ofsee-through substrate with embedded circuitry, optical emitter andoptical detector for detection of change of focus depth of the eye.

FIG. 13C is a schematic diagram illustrating a contact-lens type ofsee-through substrate with embedded circuitry, optical emitter andoptical detector, working together with a fixed frame in proximity tothe eye, for detection of change of focus depth of the eye.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the eighth implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the ninth implementation forthe step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according to theembodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the second option for thestep of displaying the retrieved image according to the embodiments ofthe current invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the third option for thestep of displaying the retrieved image according to the embodiments ofthe current invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the first embodimentwherein eye-lens and eye-ball sensing of eye-information are used.

FIG. 19 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the first embodimentwherein brain-wave pattern sensing of re-focus intention are used.

FIG. 20 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the second embodimentwherein eye-lens and eye-ball sensing of eye-information are used.

FIG. 21 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the second embodimentwherein brain-wave pattern sensing of re-focus intention are used.

FIG. 22 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the third embodimentwherein eye-lens and eye-ball sensing of eye-information are used.

FIG. 23 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the third embodimentwherein brain-wave pattern sensing of re-focus intention are used.

FIG. 24 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the fourth embodimentwherein eye-lens and eye-ball sensing of eye-information are used.

FIG. 25 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the fourth embodimentwherein brain-wave pattern sensing of re-focus intention are used.

FIG. 26 is a schematic of a flow diagram illustrating a feed-back loopduring re-focus process.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention in static and motion pictures on display screen.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention in static and motion pictures by image projector.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention for enhanced vision.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention for artificial reality.

FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B are schematic diagrams illustrating theapplication of the invention for augmented reality with artificialobject augmenting interaction with real objects.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention for augmented reality with artificial object augmenting realobjects.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention for augmented reality with artificial object augmentingviewer's interaction with real objects.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating a MEMS-based micro-mirrorarray used for direct projection of image on the retina of viewer's eye.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating the MEMS-based micro-mirrorarray of FIG. 34 being implemented with input from viewer's eyeinformation to accommodate the viewer's eye lens change and projectimage in focus on retina at varying eye lens focus depth.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components willbear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the current invention may be embodied in many different forms,designs or configurations, for the purpose of promoting an understandingof the principles of the invention, reference will be made to theembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation or restriction of the scope of the invention is therebyintended. Any alterations and further implementations of the principlesof the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normallyoccur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The first embodiment of the current invention is for static or motionpictures. The method according to the first embodiment includes thesteps of: (Step 101) Recording of the same scene simultaneously intomultiple images with each image recorded with a different focus depthinto the scene on recording media; (Step 102) Active sensing there-focus intention of viewer by monitoring the physiological change ofviewer's eye including eye lens change without viewer's activeparticipation or physical action and generating such physiologicalchange information; (Step 103) Calculating intended focus depth and/orintended in-focus objects in the scene from the physiological changeinformation from Step 102; (Step 104) Retrieving the images withintended focus depth from the recording media containing recorded imagesfrom Step 101; and (Step 105) Displaying the retrieved image from Step104 to the viewer's eyes.

In Step 102, the said physiological change of viewer's eye can alsoinclude the rotational position of the viewer's eye pupil.

In Step 105, an optical imaging system with a variable effective focusdepth can be disposed in the optical path between the image and theviewer's eye, where the effective focus depth of the system isautomatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focus depth change inreal-time according to the physiological change information from Step102, such that the image of Step 105 shown on the same screen appearsfocused on the retina of the viewer's eye at various viewer's eye lensfocus depth. Such optical image system can be any of: a single opticallens with mechanical positioning, a series or an array of optical lenseswith mechanical positioning, a variable focus depth optical componentthat is composed of electrically-controlled refractive index material,an optical component whose effective optical path for light passingthrough can be changed by an electrical signal, and an optical componentcomposed of micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) actuated lens, mirroror prism arrays that performs effectively as an optical lens or anoptical concave or convex mirror.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first implementation forthe step of recording of same scene simultaneously into multiple imageswith each image recorded with a different focus depth into the sceneaccording to the embodiments of the current invention. In thisimplementation, light splitters 54 and 55 are used to split incominglight 51 from scene into different light paths to realize differentfocus depth image recording on different recording media 572, 582 and592. The light splitters 54 or 55 can be any of: a light splitter, aprism, a lens, or a shutter with mirror on light incoming side andshutter can be timed open and close to pass and reflect light. The lightsplitter 54 is preferably positioned at the phase plane of the objectivelens 52. Both the objective lens 52 and the imaging lens 571, 581 or591, can each be composed of a series of lenses. On different recordingmedia 572, 582 and 592, images 500 of different objects of 50 atdifferent distance from the objective lens 52 from the scene are infocus in different light paths 573, 583 and 593. Distance betweenrecording media and imaging lens can be different in different lightpath 573, 583 and 593. Light splitter 54 and 55 transmission andreflection efficiencies may be different for different light path 573and 583. Light reflector 56 provides total light reflection for the lastlight path 593. Different recording media 572, 582 and 592 may havedifferent sensitivity to light intensity to adjust to the differentincoming light intensity of each light path 573, 583 and 593. Imaginglens 571, 581 and 591 of different light path may have different focusdepth and optical property.

There can be more than two light paths in the system and more than twolight splitters accordingly. The two or more of similarly structuredimaging system can be used to record multiple-focus-depth images of samescene in different viewing angles for stereo-vision purpose.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the second implementation forthe step of recording of same scene simultaneously into multiple imageswith each image recorded with a different focus depth into the scene. Inthis implementation, phase diverter 64 is used to divert incoming light61 from scene into different light paths at different directions torealize different focus depth image recording on different recordingmedia 672, 682 and 692. The phase diverter 64 can be any of: a lensarray, a mirror array, a phase plate, or a phase plate array, which canbe mechanically or electrically actuated. The phase diverter 64 ispositioned at the phase plane (focus plane) of the objective lens 62.Both the objective lens and the imaging lens 671, 681 and 691 can eachbe composed of a series of lens. On different recording media 672, 682and 692, images 600 of different objects 60 at different distance fromthe objective lens 62 from the scene are in focus in different lightpaths 673, 683 and 693. Different recording media 672, 682 and 692 mayhave different sensitivity to light intensity to adjust to the differentincoming light intensity of each light path 673, 683 and 693. Distancebetween recording media 672, 682 or 692, and imaging lens 671, 681 or691 can be different in different light path. Imaging lens 671, 681 and691 of different light path 673, 683 and 693 may have different focusdepth and optical property.

There can be more than three light paths in the system and more thanthree phase diverting paths accordingly. Two or more of similarlystructured imaging system can be used to record multiple-focus-depthimages of same scene in different viewing angles for stereo-visionpurpose.

With phase diverter 64 being a two-dimensional lens matrix at the phaseplane of the objective lens 62, same scene may be recorded at differentviewing angles simultaneously by a single system for stereo-visionpurpose, i.e. multiple focus depth and multiple viewing angles recordingcan be achieved at same time.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the third implementation forthe step of recording of same scene simultaneously into multiple imageswith each image recorded with a different focus depth into the scene. Inthis implementation, shuttered recording media 75 is used to recordimage of scene 700 with different distance objects in-focus on differentrecording media. Single light path with multiple recording media 75arranged in an array along the light path. Both the objective lens 72and the imaging lens 74 can each be composed of a series of lens.Recording media 75 are shuttered to open or close to allow the light 71to go through or to record the image. At any instant time only one mediais recording the image 700. When a recording media is receiving theincoming light and recording the image 700, all media behind will notrecord image and all media in front of the recording media will beshuttered open. After a media finishes recording, it can be shutteredopen or a media in the front is shuttered close to allow another mediato record image 700. On different recording media, images 700 fromdifferent objects 70 at different distance from the objective lens fromthe scene are in focus. Different recording media may have differentsensitivity to light intensity to adjust to the different incoming lightintensity.

Single light path of FIG. 7 can also be realized by having a singlerecording media 75 that moves from a position close to the imaging lens74 and away to a position farther away from imaging lens 74, or moves inthe reversed direction. During the moving process of the media 75, theimages 700 of the objects 70 are captured by the recording media 75 atdifferent distance from the imaging lens. To avoid overlapping therecorded images, image recorded by media 75 at different distance fromlens 74 is constantly removed and stored and media 75 is refreshed.Alternatively, when one image of 700 is recorded by 75, before new imageis recorded, the recorded image is transformed into data stream andstored in digital format in a separate data storage device.

Two or more of similarly structured imaging system can be used to recordmultiple-focus-depth images of same scene in different viewing anglesfor stereo-vision purpose.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fourth implementation forthe step of recording of same scene simultaneously into multiple imageswith each image recorded with a different focus depth into the scene. Inthis implementation, a light field recording device 83 is used to recordimage of scene with various focus depth and having different distanceobjects 80 in-focus. Multiple light field recording device can be usedto record image of the scene at various viewing angles. Same light fieldrecording device may be able to record same scene at different viewingangles, namely achieving multiple focus depth recording and stereoscopicrecording at same time.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first implementation forthe step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according to theembodiments of the current invention. This implementation is forretrieving the viewer's eye-information by retina-reflected probinglight. See-through substrate 93 can be any type of substrate that allowsvisible light to pass through. Please note that in the specifications ofvarious embodiments of the current invention, the word “glass” issometimes used as one type of, or an implementation of, orinterchangeably as, a “see-through substrate”. See-through substrate 93provides a supporting frame for the transmitter 95 and the detector 94and allow viewer's eye 90 to see through. Light from images that aredisplayed to the viewer can pass through see-through substrate 93 andforms optical projection on the retina 92. See-through substrate 93 canserve as part of the stereo vision system that helps images taken fromsame scene at different viewing angles being shown to each eye 90 of theviewer separately, so that viewer has a stereo vision impression. Thedetector 94 and transmitter 95 do not affect viewer's ability to see theimages displayed to the viewer.

Transmitter 95 produces light beam or light pattern that is projectedinto the viewer's eye 90 as the probing light 96. The probing light 96can have a wavelength that is invisible to human eye, for exampleinfrared. The probing light 96 can have a wavelength that is visible tohuman eye, but not affecting viewer's normal vision, which can be anyone or any combination of: (1) the probing light has a small beam sizethat is insensitive to human eye; (2) the probing light is projectedonto the blind spot of the viewer's retina; (3) the probing light is thein the form of short pulses with pulse duration being too small for eye90 to sense.

Detector 94 detects the reflected probing light (Reflection light) 97from the retina 92. Detector 94 and transmitter 95 are composed ofelectric and/or optical circuitry. The transmitter 95 can be in the formof a transmitter array or a transmitter matrix. The detector 94 can bein the form of a detector array or a detector matrix.

The probing light 96 from the transmitter can be scanning inone-dimensional or two-dimensional patterns into the eye 90.

Reflection light 97 received by detector 94 is used to calculate theeye-information defined as any of, but not limited to, viewer's eye lensfocus depth, eye lens shape, eye lens curvature, eyeball rotationalposition. Calculation of the said eye-information can be combined withthe probing light 96 information from transmitter 95. Reflection light97 can be monitored by the detector 94 for any of, but not limited to,intensity, angle, reflection spot position on retina 92, color, patternand beam shape, pattern shift, optical interference with the incomingprobing light 96. The calculated eye-information can be transmitted toanother device or temporarily stored in a data storage component notshown in FIG. 9.

Probing light 96 generation by the transmitter 95 can be integrated witha shutter function of the see-through substrate 93, for example instereo vision with active 3D glass where during the interval that theoutside image was temporarily shielded from the viewer's eye, theeye-information can be retrieved by enabling the probing light forminimal disturbance of normal viewing. Probing light 96 source can beany of, laser, LED, lamp, and can have an MEMS based mirror and/or lightscanning system. The see-through substrate 93 position is substantiallyfixed relative to the position of eye 90.

An image capturing device, for example a camera, can be integrated withthe see-through substrate 93 or be in proximity to the see-throughsubstrate 93, and moves together with the see-through substrate 93 tocapture the image that the viewer sees for comparison with thereflection light 97 information and calculate eye-information.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the second implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of the current invention. This implementation is forretrieving the viewer's eye-information by eye-lens 101 reflectedprobing light 109. Every other aspect of this implementation is the sameas in the first implementation (FIG. 9) with the exception of following:the detector 104 and the detector 105 do not capture the reflectionlight of the probing light from the retina 102; detector 104 capturesreflection light 107 reflected from the front outside surface of thelens 101 when the probing light 109 enters the lens; detector 105captures reflection light 108 reflected from the back inside surface ofthe lens 101 when the probing light 109 exits the lens 101 and entersthe vitreous humor of the eye 100; either one or both of the reflectionlight 107 and 108 information received by the detector 104 and detector105 can be used to extract the eye-information; detector 104 anddetector 105 can be in the form of a detector array or a detectormatrix.

Optical interference pattern produced between any of the probing light109, reflection light 108, and reflection light 107 may be used toretrieve the re-focus intention of the viewer. Note that detector 104and detector 105 can be used together or only one of the two can be usedto retrieve the eye-information

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating the third implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of current invention. This implementation is forretrieving the viewer's eye-information by projected pattern 114 onretina. Image screen 111 is the place where object image 119 (no shownin FIG. 11A) that viewer is viewing is being created, where the image119 is also adjusted in real-time following viewer's re-focus intent toprovide a re-focusable vision for the viewer eye 110.

Pattern 112 on the image screen 111 is used to help retrieve theviewer's eye-information. The pattern 112 can be produced by a light atwavelength that is invisible to human eye, for example infrared. Thepattern 112 can also be produced by a light at wavelength that isvisible to human eye, but not affecting viewer's normal vision. Thepattern 112 can be produced in very short time pulsed interval that isinsensitive to human eye 110. The pattern 112 can be producedoverlapping other image 119 shown to the viewer on the image screen 111.The pattern 112 can be produced interlacing with the image 119 shown tothe viewer with a shuttered mechanism, where pattern 112 is not shown atthe same time as the image 119, and pattern 112 showing time iscomparatively much shorter than the image 119. The pattern 112 can bevarying density, arrangement, shape, size and position over time to helpenhance the extraction of the eye-information. The pattern 112 positionon the image screen 111 can have a one dimensional or two-dimensionaltemporal oscillation.

See-through substrate 116 provides a supporting frame for the detector117 and allow viewer to see through. Light 113 from image screendisplayed to the viewer can pass through see-through substrate and formsoptical projection on the retina for viewer to see. See-throughsubstrate 116 can serve as part of the stereoscopic vision system thathelps images taken from same scene at different viewing angles beingshown each eye 110 of the viewer separately, so that viewer has astereoscopic vision impression. See-through substrate 116 with detector117 does not affect viewer's normal vision of the image on the screen111.

Pattern 112 produces projected pattern 114 image on the retina of theviewer. Pattern image 114 is further reflected by the retina and thedetector 117 receives the reflected pattern image 118 from the retina.The detector 117 can be in the form of a detector array or a detectormatrix. Reflection light 115 of the pattern 114 received by detector 117is used to calculate the eye-Information. Calculation of the saideye-information can be combined with the information of the pattern 112on the image screen 111. Reflection light 115 of the pattern 114 can bemonitored by the detector 117 for any of, but not limited to, intensity,position on retina, color, shape, size, density, arrangement, position,oscillation pattern and oscillation frequency. The calculatedeye-information can be transmitted to another device or temporarilystored in a data storage component that is not shown in FIG. 11A. Animage capturing device, for example a camera, can be integrated with thesee-through substrate 116 or be in proximity to the see-throughsubstrate 116, and moves together with the viewer's eye and see-throughsubstrate to capture the pattern 112 that is shown to the viewer on theimage screen for comparison with the reflection pattern 114 informationand calculate eye-information. The detector 117 is composed of electricand optical components.

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating the fourth implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of current invention. This implementation is forretrieving the viewer's eye-information by reflected images from thelens.

Every other aspect for this implementation is the same as in the thirdimplementation (FIG. 11A) with the exception of following: the detectordoes not capture the reflection of the pattern on image screen from theretina; at least one detector captures reflection image 1124 of thepattern 1122 reflected from the front outside surface of the lens whenthe light from the pattern 1122 on screen 1121 enters the lens; at leastone second detector captures reflection image 1123 of the pattern 1122reflected from the back inside surface of the lens when the light fromthe pattern on screen exits the lens and enters the vitreous humor ofthe eye 110; either one or both of the reflection pattern 1123 and 1124information received by the first detector and second detector can beused to extract the eye-information; both first and second detectors1127 can be in the form of an array or a matrix; the first and seconddetectors 1127 can be same detector; during usage, it is possible to useonly one of the first and second detectors; during usage, it is possibleto use both of the first and second detectors; and the opticalinterference of the pattern 1123 and pattern 1124 can also be used tocalculate eye-information.

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram illustrating the fifth implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of current invention. This implementation is forretrieving the viewer's re-focus intention by using a scanning probinglight beam 1241 across viewer's eyeball and simultaneously monitoringthe reflected optical signal from the eye 120.

When viewer's intention of re-focus happens, the eye-lens 121 of theviewer eye 120 can change in shape and curvature. The change of eye-lens121 shape in the form of compression or stretching 122 in the directionof the viewers' eye-sight causes the part of the eye 120 in front of theeye-lens to deform correspondingly. Such process is also called“accommodation” during an eye 120 re-focus process. The corneal shape123 of the eye 120 can also be deformed in small amount by the shape andcurvature change 122 of the eye-lens 121. In FIG. 12A, an opticalemitter 124 is used to project an directional probing light 1241 uponthe cornea and an optical detector 125 is used to detect the reflectionlight 1251 from the cornea. At different corneal shape 123 caused by thedifferent eye lens shape change 122, the reflection light 1251 asreceived by the optical detector 125 also changes its intensity orreflection angel. By scanning the probing light 1241 across the viewer'seye 120, and by monitoring the reflection light 1251 change during thescan, the information of the eye-lens change as well as the pupilposition of the eye-ball can be measured.

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating the scanning procedure ofthe probing light 1241 by oscillating the optical emitter 124 of FIG.12A. The optical emitter 124 oscillates from left to right in FIG. 12Band produces scanning of probing light 1241 across the eye 120 of theviewer. With the optical emitter also changes its rotational orientationin the direction normal to the scan direction, multiple discrete scanlines, 1291, 1292, 1293, 1294 and 1295 can be produced from top tobottom of the eye 120 with the scan lines covering the exposed eyeballarea between the eye lips 128. The optical detector 125 detects thereflection light 1251 from the viewer's eyes while probing light 1241scans across the eye 120.

The eye-information detection scheme as shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12Bhas the advantage over prior arts in the aspect of simpler structure andlower cost. The major components of this new scheme are the opticalemitter 124 and the optical detector 125. With the probing light 1241scanning positions well controlled and calibrated, mapping of the eye120 by the reflection light 1251 captured by the optical detector 125can be realized by simple electronics with low cost. The optical emitter124 can be low cost light emission diode (LED) or laser diode with goodlight directionality. The optical detector 125 can also be low costphotodiode with proper optical filter. This new scheme can also beintegrated into head-mounted supporting structures, for example in theform of eye-glasses, due to no complicated optics is required. Priorarts that detect pupil 126 positions, i.e. eye-tracking, generally useimaging of the user's eyes, which not only require complicated andexpensive optical lens system but also require sophisticated andexpensive electronics for image processing to retrieve pupil positioninformation.

The eye-information detection scheme as shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12Balso has the advantage over prior arts in the aspect of accurate focusdepth extrapolation, high precision and less interference fromenvironment. Spatial resolution of this new scheme is defined by thelight beam size and the scanning resolution of the probing light 1241,which can realize high precision with commercially available low costLED, laser diode and MEMS technologies, with spatial resolution reachingmicron level or smaller. For prior art image capture methods, such highresolution is either not economically achievable or having to useexpensive optical and electrical components. Additionally, the probinglight 1241 can also be modulated with single-tone high frequency patternthat enables lock-in technique detection of the reflection light, or itcan be modulated with digital patterns that enables high speed digitalfiltering, both of which can increase signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of themethod and is well beyond prior art image capturing method.

The eye-information detection scheme as shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12Bfurther has the advantage over prior arts in the aspect of simultaneousdetection of eye-lens change and pupil position change. In prior artschemes, due to the spatial resolution limitation and long detectiondistance of the optical system, it is only possible to detect the pupil126 position, i.e. eye-tracking. The new scheme of this invention asshown in FIG. 12A through FIG. 12D, with its ability to be integrated tohead-mount structure and the close proximity of both the optical emitter124 and optical detector 125 to the viewer's eye 120, the optical signalcaptured by the detector during the scanning of the probing light notonly can identify the position of the pupil, but also can be used toextract the information of the eye-lens change, which givesunprecedented advantage in faster focus depth calculation, lowercalculation complexity, and higher calculation accuracy.

Method of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B can have any one or a combination ofbelow features: (1) there can be multiple optical detectors 125 tocapture the reflection light 1251 signal from the same probing light atdifferent locations relative to the eye 120; (2) there can be multipleoptical emitters 124 with each emitter 124 producing scan lines notexactly overlapping any of the scan lines produced by any other emitter124; (3) a single scan line of probing light 1241 can be in anydirection across the eye 120; (4) when probing light 1241 scans over thepupil area, reflection light 1251 from the eye 120 can be reflected fromany of: cornea, eye-lens 121 front surface facing cornea, eye-lens 121back surface facing retina; (5) probing light 1241 can be invisiblelight, and preferably infra-red light; (6) probing light 1241 can bevisible light but with intensity insensible by human eye; (7) probinglight 1241 can be modulated into pulsed patterns wherein the duty cyclesof the pulses are short enough such that the effective probing lightintensity is insensible by human eye; (8) probing light 1241 can bemodulated into pulsed patterns that has a single tone frequency whereinthe optical signal captured by the optical detector 125 also shows samesingle tone frequency pulse pattern, which can then be processed by anlock-in method that enhances the SNR of the detection result; (9)probing light 1241 can be modulated into pulsed patterns that representsa digital sequence wherein the optical signal captured by the opticaldetector 125 also shows same digital sequence pattern, which can then beprocessed by a digital filter that enhances the SNR of the detectionresult; (10) special pulsing patterns of the probing light 1241 canexist at the beginning, or at the end, or in the middle section of anyof the scan line 1291,1292,1293,1294,1295, to designate the beginning,ending, or within-scan locations of the scan. Such special pulsepatterns can be also used to identify the order of the different scanlines for spatial alignment of different scan lines during signalprocessing of the optical signal captured by the optical detector 125;(11) the optical emitter 124 oscillatory motion can be generated by adriving mechanism that can be based on any of: MEMS, magnetic force,piezo effect, acoustic wave or thermal induced shape change.

FIG. 12C and FIG. 12D are schematic diagrams illustrating the sixthimplementation for the step of sensing the re-focus intention of vieweraccording to the embodiments of current invention. All other aspects ofFIG. 12C and FIG. 12D are identical to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B case,except that the scanning of the probing light 1241 is produced by areflection mirror or prism 1242, wherein the optical emitter 124 isstationary.

Method of FIG. 12C and FIG. 12D can have any one or any combination ofbelow features: (1) a single mirror or prism 1242 can be used to scanthe probing light 1241 in spatially discrete scan lines as shown in FIG.12D; (2) a series of mirrors or prisms 1242 can be used with single ormultiple optical emitters 124 with each mirror or prism 1242 producingone or more scan lines not exactly overlapping any one of the scan linesproduced by any other mirror or prism 1242; (3) an array of mirrors orprisms 1242 can be used with single or multiple optical emitters 124with each mirror or prism 1242 producing a light spot on the eye 120 andarea around the eye 120. By enabling the mirrors or prisms 1242 toproduce the light spots in a sequential order, effective scan lines canbe produced; (4) the mirror 1242 can be a mirror array that is the sameone being used to directly project image upon the retina of the viewer'seye 120 as described in FIG. 34, wherein scanning of the probing lightand image projection by the same mirror can be interlaced or multiplexedwith the same mirror or mirror arrays; (5) the oscillatory motion of themirror or prism can be generated by a driving mechanism that can bebased on any of: MEMS, magnetic force, piezo effect, acoustic wave orthermal induced shape change.

FIG. 12E shows examples of the optical signal sensed by the opticaldetector 125 during scanning of the probing light 1241 in FIG. 12B andFIG. 12D. The X axes of all sub-figures in FIG. 12E are the physicalposition along each scan line across the eye 120, while the Y axes arethe strength of the optical signal sensed by an optical detector 125.The signal traces 12911, 12921, 12931, 12941 and 12951 are respectivelycorresponding to the scan traces of 1291, 1292, 1293, 1294 and 1295 ofFIG. 12B and FIG. 12D. For the examples of FIG. 12E, the probing lightis assumed to be infra-red light. The infra-red light reflects from theeye-ball area is stronger than from eye-lip and pupil. Pupil area corneareflects infra-red light the weakest due to highest absorption ofinfra-red light. Trace 12911 and trace 12951 both have two levels in thesignal strength, with the higher level in the center corresponding tothe probing light scanning over the eye-ball and lower level at thesides corresponding to the eye-lip. Traces 12921, 12931 and 12941 arefrom scans that pass across pupil, therefore they show lower signallevel at regions around the middle of the traces, with trace 12931having the highest downwards peak 12932 at the trace center.

The width 12933 and amplitude 12934 of the downwards peak 12932 can beused to calculate the position of the pupil and the lens changeinformation. With pupil position change, the horizontal position of thehighest amplitude point 12934 of the downwards peak 12932 can shift inthe trace 12931. Additionally, with pupil position change, the tracethat exhibits the largest downwards peak may also shift from 12931 toanother trace. The shift of the maximum downwards peak position betweentraces and along scan direction can be used to calculate pupil position.When eye-lens focus depth changes, shape change of the eye-lens cancause shape change of the cornea as shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12C. Withthe light reflecting from cornea, or from the eye-lens, or both, theshape change of cornea or eye-lens can produce a reflection lightchange, in intensity or in reflection angle or both, most likely at theboundary of the pupil. Such change will affect the pulse width 12933 orpulse shape of peak 12932. Thus, with capturing the reflection light1251 during scanning of probing light 1241, and with monitoring the peak12932 position, peak height 12934, peak width 12933, or pulse shape,information of the pupil position and eye-lens change can be retrievedwith signal processing and calculation.

It needs to be noted that although infra-red light and its lowerreflection by pupil is used as example in FIG. 12E, other lightwavelength with other reflection properties can also be used withoutlimitation. Multiple wavelength probing light can also be used at sametime. Additionally, scan lines as shown in FIG. 12E can be obtained frommore than one optical detectors 125 around the eye 120, for bettersignal capture and higher accuracy in calculation of eye-information.

For the scan lines 1291,1292,1293,1294,1295 of probing light 1241 shownin FIG. 12B and FIG. 12D, although straight parallel scan lines are usedas example, the scan lines are not limited to straight line or parallelslines. The scan lines can be any one or any combination of the belowtypes to efficiently cover the area of the viewer's eye: (1) at leasttwo sets of parallel straight or curved lines that cross each other atvarious crossing points with crossing angles between 0 to 90 degrees;(2) concentric circles; (3) at least two circles partially overlappingeach other; (4) at least two close-loop shapes overlapping each other;(5) one or more continuous scan lines with irregular scan traces thatcovers sufficient amount of the viewer's eye area; (6) a rotatingregular or irregular scan pattern; (7) at least one set of parallelstraight or curved lines; (8) at least two close-loop shapes with oneenclosed entirely by the other one.

FIG. 12F is a schematic diagram illustrating the pupil positions of theeyes of the viewer when viewer is focusing on a far point 1210, and FIG.12G is a schematic diagram illustrating the pupil positions of the eyesof the viewer when viewer is focusing on a near point 1220. In FIG. 12Fand FIG. 12G, although viewer is focusing on different points in spacethat are at different distances from the viewer, the right eye 1201pupil 1261 position and eye-sight direction 12031 is the same.Therefore, by only monitoring the pupil position, similar as in“eye-tracking” techniques used in prior arts, both eyes 1201 and 1202must be monitored at the same time to extrapolate the focusing point ofthe viewer's eye sight with extending the eye-sight line 12031 and 12041directions of both eyes 1201 and 1202, to find out the eye-sightcrossing points as the focus points. The prior art “eye-tracking”method, although is straight forward, requires tracking of both eyes andability to find the actual focus point with complicated electronics andalgorithm, which are slow in speed, expensive in implementation andinapplicable to viewers with disability in one of the two eyes.

With the ability to obtain eye focus depth information from eye lenschange, monitoring both eyes is then not required. FIG. 12H shows anexample of utilizing FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B implementation method foridentifying the focus point of the viewer 1200 with monitoring a singleeye, i.e right eye 1201. With the ability of detecting right eye 1201eye-lens change and its focus depth, the focusing point of the viewercan be found locating on a focus circle 12052 with a radius of 12051with the focus circle 12052 centered on the viewer. The radius 12051 isdefined as the distance from the viewer that the viewer is focusing onby the eye 1201's detected focus depth. Then with the ability to detectthe position of the pupil, the eye sight 12031 direction of the righteye 1201 can be extrapolated. The crossing point of right eye sight12031 and the focus circle 12052 is then the focusing point 12053 of theviewer. Since when viewer focuses on a spatial point, both eyes willfocus at that same point, with locating the point of the focus for righteye 1201, it is also the point of focus of left eye.

To apply FIG. 12H scheme in applications as shown in FIG. 18 throughFIG. 33, the information of the exact location of focus point 12053 andeye sight 12031 direction are not required in certain embodiments. Withobtaining the focus circle 12052 and radius 12051 from the eye-lenschange, of all objects that are being shown to the viewer, the ones thatare on or in close proximity to the focus circle 12052, can be broughtinto clear focus to the viewer's eye 1201, and then allow the viewer eyeto select and focus on the object of interest on the focus circle byviewer's choice, i.e. finding and looking at the object of interest. Inthis way, the complexity of eye information detection is further reducedwith only requiring detection of focus depth change information, andeye-information processing speed is faster and cost of implementation isalso cheaper.

FIG. 13A is a schematic illustrating the fifth implementation for thestep of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according to theembodiments of current invention with a contact-lens type of see-throughsubstrate 131, which is in direct contact with the eye ball andsubstantially covers the pupil of the eye 130, being used for the samepurpose of the see-through substrates described in earlier figures.Instead of a see-through substrate that is positioned apart from theviewer's eye with a gap, a contact-lens type of see-through substrate131 can be used for fulfilling the functions of the see-throughsubstrates 93, 103, 116 and 1126 as respectively illustrated in FIG. 9,FIG. 10, FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B.

FIG. 13B is a schematic illustrating a contact-lens type of see-throughsubstrate 131 (“contact lens”) that is in direct contact with the eyeball and substantially covers the pupil of the eye 130, with embeddedelectronics 132, optical emitter 133 and optical detectors 134 torealize FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 type of functions to detect focus depthchange of the eye 130. Electronics 132 is preferred located close to theouter edge of the contact lens to avoid interfering with the viewing ofthe eye 130 through pupil 136. One obvious advantage of FIG. 13B type ofsolution over prior arts is that the optical emitter 133 and opticaldetector 134 are always moving together with the pupil position. Duringmovement of eye ball 130, relative position of the substrate 131together with all embedded components to the pupil is fixed. Thus, thedetection accuracy is greatly enhanced. Electronics 132 is providingpower to and communicating with optical emitter 133 and optical detector134. Electronics 132 can also have components interacting wirelesslythrough electromagnetic coupling to an external circuitry not shown inFIG. 13B to realize functions of: (1) harvesting external powerwirelessly; (2) transmitting data into electronics 132 to controlemitter 133 or transmitting data of optical signal detected by detector134 out from electronics 132. Optical emitter 133 is located in closeproximity, and preferably directly above, the pupil 136. Optical emitter133 produces optical radiation towards inside the eye 130 through pupil136 with a pre-determined optical pattern. Such optical pattern can becontinuous light beam with constant intensity, light pulses, orcontinuous light team with varying intensity over time. At least oneoptical detector 134 exists in substrate 131. Optical detector 134 candetect any one, or any combination, of following properties: (1)reflected light intensity change over time at a specific location withinthe substrate 131; (2) reflected light intensity at various locationswithin the substrate 131; (3) time delay between different reflectedpulses at a specific location with the substrate 131; and (4) time delaybetween different reflected pulses at various locations within thesubstrate 131. With the detected light signal from detector 131 alone,or in combination with emitted light signal from emitter 133, the focusdepth information of the eye 130 can be retrieved. An external circuitrynot shown in FIG. 13B can be used to monitor the electronics 132 spatialposition change following the rotation of the eye 130, such that boththe direction of eye sight and the focus depth can be obtained tore-produce exact focus point in space by the eye 130, whereinelectromagnetic coupling between at least one component in the externalcircuitry and at least another component in electronics 132 is used forsuch monitoring.

There can be more than one optical emitter 133 and more than one opticaldetector 134 embedded in the substrate 131. The optical emitter 133 canemit visible light or infra-red light. When optical emitter 133 oroptical detector 134 are in close proximity to the pupil, or directlyabove pupil, to avoid interfering with vision of eye 130, the emitter133 or detector 134 can be made transparent, or can be in the size smallenough that will not affect vision, for example in the size smaller than100 micrometers.

The optical emitter 133 or optical detector 134 can be also be part ofthe electronics 132 and located away from the pupil 136 same as theelectronics 132. In this case, optical paths connect the output of theemitter 133 or input of the detector 134 towards the location of thepupil 136, and reflective components, for example micro-mirrors,terminate at the other ends of the optical paths at the locations of 133and 134 shown in FIG. 13B to emit light into the pupil 136 or collectlight reflected back from the pupil 136. The light paths and reflectivecomponents are both small enough to avoid affecting eye 130 vision, forexample with maximum width less than 100 micrometers.

One example of operation of FIG. 13B scheme is that emitter 133 emitslight beam into pupil 136. The various surfaces of cornea, eye lens, andretina reflect and scatter the incident light from the emitter 133. Whenthe reflected light reaches detector 134, it produces a light pattern ofdispersion. With various eye length focusing depth, such dispersionpattern changes either or both of its size and its shape. By correlatingthe dispersion pattern change with intended focus depth, the intendedfocus depth of the eye 130 can be extrapolated.

Another example of operation of FIG. 13B scheme is that emitter 133produces light pulses into pupil 136. The various surfaces of cornea,eye lens, and retina reflect the incident light pulses at different timewhen the incident light passes through its optical path into the eye 130until reaching the retina layer. When reflected light pulses fromdifferent surfaces passes through various eye components, for example,eye lens, cornea, and are diffracted variously before reaching thedetector 134 and the detector detects the reflect pulses arriving time.From the time delay between two or more reflected light pulses thatreach detector 134, the intended focus depth of the eye 130 can becalculated.

Still another example of operation of FIG. 13B scheme is that emitter133 produces light beam into pupil 136 with a given incident angle tothe surface of the eye lens. The light beam is then reflected from thesurfaces of the eye lens when light beam passes through the eye lens andproduces at least one reflection light point on the substrate 131 whichis then detected by at least one of the detectors 134. For lightreflected from eye lens insider surface, it is also refracted by the eyelens during the reflection. When eye focus depth changes due to eye lensshape change, the reflected light is reflected into different directionsdue to surface curvature change of the eye lens and thus the reflectionlight point on the substrate moves to a different location on substrate131. By correlating the position of the reflection light points with theintended focus depth, the intended focus depth of the eye 130 can beextrapolated. The circuitry 132 may contain any of or any combinationof, but not limited to, metal circuit, organic circuit, opticalcircuits, MEMS sensor, piezo sensor, capacitance sensor, magnetoelasticsensor, pressure sensor, deformation sensor, RF circuit.

FIG. 13C is a schematic illustrating a focus-depth detection with usingsame as FIG. 13B scheme with addition of a fixed frame 135 in closeproximity to the eye 130. The fixed frame 135 can serve the one or bothfunctions of: (1) providing power to the electronics 132 wirelesslythrough electromagnetic coupling to electronics 132, for example byinductive coupling or wireless antenna; (2) detecting the spatialposition change of the pupil 136 through monitoring the spatial positionchange of the electronics 132 relative to the frame 135, such that boththe direction of eye sight and the focus depth can be obtained tore-produce exact focus point in space of the eye, whereinelectromagnetic coupling between at least one component in the frame 135and at least another component in electronics 132 is used for suchmonitoring.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the eighth implementationfor the step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according tothe embodiments of current invention. This implementation is forretrieving the viewer's eye-information by electrical method.

Contact-lens 142, which is in direct contact with the eye ball andsubstantially covers the cornea of the eye 130, provides a supportingframe for the circuitry 146 embedded in the contact-lens 142. Light fromimage and scene that are displayed to the viewer can pass through thecontact-lens 142 and allows viewer to see through. Contact-lens 142 canserve as part of the stereoscopic vision system that helps images takenfrom same scene at different viewing angles being shown to each eye ofthe viewer separately, so that viewer has a stereoscopic visionimpression. Contact-lens 142 with embedded circuitry 146 does not affectviewer's normal vision of the shown images or scene.

When viewer's intention of re-focus happens, the eye-lens 141 of theviewer can change in shape and curvature. The change of eye-lens 141shape in the form of compression or stretching 143 in the direction ofthe viewers' eye-sight causes the part of the eye in front of theeye-lens to deform correspondingly. The cornea 144 of the eye can bedeformed in small amount by the shape and curvature change 143 of theeye-lens 141, and exerts different forces 144 onto the contact-lens 142.

The circuitry 146 embedded in the contact-lens can be used to sense thedeformation of the of the contact-lens 142, or pressure and stretchforce 145 change exerted on the contact lens 142. The circuitry 146 maycontain any of or any combination of, but not limited to, metal circuit,organic circuit, optical circuits, MEMS sensor, piezo sensor,capacitance sensor, magnetoelastic sensor, pressure sensor, deformationsensor, RF circuit. The circuitry 146 may be powered by any of, but notlimited to, an optical to electrical power converter, an electricalpower source, an RF power detector, body temperature of viewer, chemicalreaction within the contact-lens by moisture of the eye, an embeddedbattery in the contact-lens, eye-lips closing & opening mechanicalforces, wireless electromagnetic coupling to external power source. Thecontact-lens 142 can be operating together with an external see-throughsubstrate put in front of the eye to achieve re-focus sensing andstereoscopic vision.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the ninth implementation forthe step of sensing the re-focus intention of viewer according to theembodiments of current invention. This implementation is for retrievingthe viewer's eye-information by brain wave pattern. When an object 154is projected into the eye and forms image 155 on the retina of the eye,the eye nerves 152 sense the image information and transmits suchinformation to brain 151 through neural pathways 156. Brain-wave patternassociated with vision and intention of vision will be generated afterimage information perceived by brain 151. Such brain-wave patterns ofre-focus can be pre-characterized or pre-trained for the viewer.Brain-wave sensors 153 are attached to the skull of viewer. In certainmedical applications, brain-wave sensors 153 can be in contact with thebrain cells inside the skull for better brain-wave capturing. Whenbrain-pattern changes, it is compared with a database of knownbrain-patterns and their intended actions. If a brain-pattern ofre-focus and re-focus direction retrieved from database, or generatedwith data from the database, can be matched to the brain-patterncaptured, a re-focus event is generated.

Now, coming back to the First Embodiment. For the Step 103 ofcalculating the desired focus depth (Step 103) and retrieving image(Step 104), a computing system is used to obtain information of viewer'seye-lens, eyeball or brainwave pattern change from the sensors sensingsuch information from the viewer, and calculate the desired re-focusdepth of the viewer about the image currently shown to the viewer. Forbrain-pattern recognition of viewer's re-focus intention, a brain-wavepattern database also provides information to the computing system tocompare to the received brain pattern. Calculation of intended focusdepth in Step 103 can be computed by the eye-lens, or together witheye-ball change, information obtained in Step 102, and optionallytogether with the image currently being displayed to the viewer. Animage capturing device, for example a camera, can be in close proximityto the viewer's eyes to capture the scene that the viewer is currentlybeing exposed to, wherein the eye-lens focus depth, or together with eyepupil position, can be compared to the captured image to calculate theobject of interest that is being focused upon. The display device wherethe image is displayed can also provide the current image informationdirectly to the computing system. After a desired re-focus depth iscalculated, for single viewer case, the computing system then retrievesthe correct image with the desired focus depth from the recording mediaor recorded image database and display such image on the display device.For the Step 105 of displaying the retrieved image, if the displaydevice displays single focus depth image only, only single viewer isallowed. To share the same display between multiple viewers,multiplexing device is now required.

For the Step 105 of displaying images on the same display for multipleviewers with different intended focus-depth, multiplexing device is nowrequired. For multiple viewer case, the first option is that the imagesof same scene but with different focus-depths are multiplexed bytime-slot to be displayed on the same display and selectively shown by ashuttered image multiplexing device to the viewer with matching intendedfocus-depth. The see-through substrates that viewers view through can bean image multiplexing device, to differentiate the different focus deptheach viewer desires, so that different viewer may see same displayedscene with different focus depth into the same scene. An example of themultiplexing is that images of same scene but with different focus-depthare sequentially shown on the same display to a group of viewers. Theviewers with different intended focus-depth through changing theireye-lens can each only view one of the different sequentially displayedimages due to the shutter function of the see-through substrates each ofthe viewer view through, where the see-through substrates synchronizewith the display regarding the sequence of sequentially displayeddifferent focus-depth images and only allow the image that has correctfocus-depth to be displayed to the viewer that has same intendedfocus-depth. Other images with other focus-depths that are not matchingthe intended focus-depth of the viewer are blocked by the shutter of thesee-through substrate so that the viewer cannot see. In this way, eachviewer always sees a scene or a changing scene that is always with thecorrect focus-depth according to the viewer's own intended focus depth.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the second option for theStep 105 of displaying the retrieved image to multiple viewers. Multipleviewers may share the same display where each viewer has a dedicateddisplay unit of each pixel. Multiplexing device is required to sharesame display between multiple viewers. Each viewer has own retrievedimage to be displayed on the same screen. Each viewer can only viewassigned area of the screen. For the four adjacent pixels 161, 162, 163and 164 shown, each viewer can only view one area within each pixel asassigned to each viewer: Viewer 1 sees four white color areas at theupper left corner of each pixel, which produce effective white color;Viewer 2 sees two white and two black color areas at the upper rightcorner of each pixel, which produce effective gray color; Viewer 3 seesone white and three black areas at the lower left corner of each pixel,which produce effective dark gray color; Viewer 4 sees four black areasat the lower right corner of each pixel, which produce effective blackcolor. Such multiplexing can be achieved by synchronized shuttering ofimage by a shuttered device with-in the see-through substrate thatviewers view through, where the shuttered device synchronized with thedisplay of pixels to each viewer.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the third option for thestep of displaying the retrieved image according to the embodiments ofcurrent invention. Multiple viewers may share a same display with thedisplay showing multiple focus depth images of the same scene.Multiplexing device is required to share same display between multipleviewers. Images for various focus depth of the eye are displayedsimultaneously on the same screen. Each pixel on the display containsmultiple areas with each area dedicated to a different focus depth. Eachviewer can only see the areas with the same focus depth within allpixels at any instant time. Each viewer's desired focus depth is sent tothe multiplexing device within the see-through substrate that the viewersee through. Each viewer's multiplexing device is adjusted to thedesired focus depth and shifts between different areas of the pixelshaving different focus depth to achieve effective focus depth change.For the four adjacent pixels 171, 172, 173 and 174 shown in FIG. 17,each viewer can only view the areas with the same focus depth of allpixels at any instant time. If a viewer's desired focus depth is FocusDepth 1, the multiplexing device then allows only the areas marked inFIG. 17 as “Focus Depth 1” to be shown to the viewer. If the viewerwants to focus to Focus Depth 4, the multiplexing device then adjustsand allows only the areas marked “Focus Depth 4” to be shown to theviewer. Such multiplexing can be achieved by synchronized shuttering ofimage shown on screen and the multiplex device within the see-throughsubstrate.

FIG. 18 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the first embodimentwherein eye focus-depth sensing for eye-information are used:(Step-1001) A scene 181 of objects is recorded by a recording device 183as in 182; (Step-1002) The recorded image 184 of the scene 181 is storedin a recording media or a database of recorded image 185; (Step-1003) Asensor 189 is positioned in proximity to the viewer's eye 180 anddetects re-focusing information from viewer's eye 180; (Step-1004) Thesaid re-focusing data is transmitted as in 1893 to the computing device1895 for computing desired focus depth of the viewer; (Step-1005) Thedevice 1895 computes the desired focus depth of the viewer anddetermines the image to request from 185 media or database that hasdesired focus depth of the viewer; (Step-1006) The device 1895 sendsrequest to 185 recording media or database to request image with desiredfocus depth of the viewer as in 1894; (Step-1007) The device 185 sendsrequested image with desired focus depth of the viewer to the imagedisplay device 188 as in 186; (Step-1008) The device 186 displays therequested image with desired focus depth to the viewer.

In Step-1005, the current image shown on the image display device 188may optionally be used as an input to the device 1895 to compute desiredfocus depth of the viewer as in 187. Optional glasses 1891 can beintegrated with sensor 189 and positioned in front of the viewer's eye180 to allow viewer to see through, where the glasses 1891 can have thefunctions to enable any of: stereo vision, multiplexing differentviewers to share same display, powering sensor 189, communicatingbetween sensor 189 and device 1895, storing eye information detected bysensor 189, or provide a fixed spatial reference for detector 189 todetect eye 180 pupil position. In the case of multiple users sharingsame display, in Step-1006, the device 1895 can send to glass 1891 ofeach viewer the desired focus depth information 1892 of the images shownon display 188 to enable different user seeing different focus depthimages on the same image display 188.

Typically, when eye 180 focus depth changes the viewer sees objects atdifferent spatial distances from the eye. Only displaying image on fixeddisplay 188 will not replicate this real-life function and re-focusablevision will not work because the eye 180 is focusing on spatialdistances from the eye 180 other than the place of the display 188. InStep-1008, an optical imaging system with a variable effective focusdepth can be disposed in the glass 1891 that the viewer's eye 180 seesthrough, wherein the effective focus depth of the optical systemreal-time and automatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focusdepth change according to the focus depth information 1892 sent fromdevice 1895, such that the image shown on same display 188 with fixeddistance to eye 180 can appear to the viewer to be at differentdistances from the viewer when eye 180 intended focus-depth changes, andthe images shown on the display 188 always appears focused on the retinaof the viewer's eye at various viewer's eye lens focus depth. Suchoptical image system can be any of: a single optical lens withmechanical positioning, a series or an array of optical lenses withmechanical positioning, a variable focus depth optical component that iscomposed of electrically-controlled refractive index material, anoptical component whose effective optical path for light passing throughcan be changed by an electrical signal, and an optical component basedon micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) actuated lens, mirror or prismarrays.

FIG. 19 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the first embodimentwherein brain-wave pattern sensing of re-focus intention are used. Allother steps, descriptions and procedures are same as in FIG. 18 case,except the following steps: (Step-1003) Brain-wave sensor 190 ispositioned in contact with the viewer's head to sense the brain-wavepattern of the viewer; (Step-1004) The said brain-wave pattern istransmitted as in 1993 to the device 1995 for computing desired focusdepth of the viewer; (Step-1005) The device 1995 computes the desiredfocus depth of the viewer with an additional input from a brain-wavepattern data-base 199, and determines the image with correct focus-depthto request from 195 media or database that matches the desired focusdepth of the viewer.

The second embodiment of the current invention is also for static ormotion pictures. The method according to the second embodiment includesthe steps of: (Step 201) Having a recording media containing images ofthe same scene where images are recorded simultaneously with differentfocus depth into the same scene; (Step 202) Active sensing the re-focusintention of viewer by monitoring the physiological change of viewer'svision related body function including viewer's eye lens change, withoutviewer's active participation or physical action, and generating suchphysiological change information; (Step 203) Calculating intended focusdepth or intended focused object in the scene from the physiologicalchange information from Step 202; (Step 204) Retrieving the images withintended focus depth from the recording media containing recorded imagesfrom Step 201; (Step 205) Display retrieved image from Step 204 to theviewer's eyes.

In Step 202, the said physiological change of viewer's vision relatedbody function can also include the rotational position of the viewer'seye pupil.

In Step 205, an optical imaging system with a variable effective focusdepth can be disposed in the optical path between the image and theviewer's eye, where the effective focus depth of the system isautomatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focus depth change inreal time according to the physiological change information from Step202, such that the image of Step 205 shown on the same screen appearsfocused on the retina of the viewer's eye at various viewer's eye lensfocus depth. Such optical image system can be any of: a single opticallens with mechanical positioning, a series or an array of optical lenseswith mechanical positioning, a variable focus depth optical componentthat is composed of electrically-controlled refractive index material,an optical component whose effective optical path for light passingthrough can be changed by an electrical signal, and an optical componentcomposed of micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) actuated lens, mirroror prism arrays that performs effectively as an optical lens or anoptical concave or convex mirror.

All other aspects in the second embodiment are identical to those in thefirst embodiment expect that Step 101 method of simultaneously recordingimages of the same scene with different focus depth on recording mediaare not specified. Actual method to record images with various focusdepth is not limited to the methods as described in the firstembodiment. The second embodiment focuses on the method to achievereal-time re-focus by measuring the viewer's re-focus intention andutilizing existing recorded images from the recording media. Steps 202,203, 204 and 205 in the second embodiment are same as Steps 102, 103,104 and 105 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the second embodimentwherein eye-lens and eye-ball sensing of eye-information are used. Allother steps, descriptions and procedures are same as in FIG. 18 case,except Step-1001 and Step-1002 are removed, wherein 2005 recording mediaor recorded image database already exists and contains imagessimultaneously recorded from the same scene with different focus depth.

FIG. 21 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the second embodimentwherein brain-wave pattern sensing of re-focus intention are used. Allother steps, descriptions and procedures are same as in FIG. 19 case,except Step-1001 and Step-1002 are removed, wherein 215 recording mediaor recorded image database already exists and contains imagessimultaneously recorded from the same scene with different focus depth.

The third embodiment of the current invention is for enhanced humanvision. The method according to the third embodiment includes the stepsof: (Step 301) Having an image recording and transmission device thathas at least one adjustable component that changes the focus depth ofthe device during recording process of a scene; (Step 302) Activesensing the re-focus intention of viewer by monitoring the physiologicalchange of viewer's vision related body function including viewer's eyelens change, without viewer's active participation or physical action,and generating such physiological change information; (Step 303)Calculating intended focus depth or intended focused object in the scenefrom the physiological change information from Step 302; (Step 304)Adjusting said adjustment component in Step 301 to reach intended focusdepth of said device in Step 301; (Step 305) Recording and transmittingimage by said device in Step 301 and displaying the transmitted image tothe viewer's eyes.

Compared to the first embodiment, when a desired focus depth iscalculated, instead of retrieving an image with the desired focus depthfrom the recording media or image database, the focus depth of therecording device into the scene is adjusted to the desired focus depthof the viewer. After recording a new image of a live scene with theadjusted focus depth, the newly recorded image with focus depth matchingviewer's desired focus depth is then displayed to the viewer as theresult of the viewer's intention to re-focus.

In Step 302, the said physiological change of viewer's vision relatedbody function can also include the rotational position of the viewer'seye pupil.

In Step 305, an optical imaging system with a variable effective focusdepth can be disposed in the optical path between the image and theviewer's eye, where the effective focus depth of the system isautomatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focus depth change inreal time according to the physiological change information from Step302, such that the image of Step 305 showing on the same display appearsfocused on the retina of the viewer's eye at various viewer's eye lensfocus depth. Such optical image system can be any of: a single opticallens with mechanical positioning, a series or an array of optical lenseswith mechanical positioning, a variable focus depth optical componentthat is composed of electrically-controlled refractive index material,an optical component whose effective optical path for light passingthrough can be changed by an electrical signal, and an optical componentcomposed of micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) actuated lens, mirroror prism arrays that performs effectively as an optical lens or anoptical concave or convex mirror.

FIG. 22 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the third embodimentwherein eye-lens and eye-ball sensing of eye-information are used,including: (Step-3001) A scene 221 of objects is recorded by a recordingdevice 223 having a focus depth adjustment component 224 as in 222;(Step-3002) A sensor 229 is positioned in proximity to the viewer's eye220 and collects the re-focusing information or data from viewer's eye220; (Step-3003) The said re-focusing data is transmitted as in 2293 tothe device 228 for computing desired focus depth of the viewer;(Step-3004) The device 228 computes the desired focus depth of theviewer and determines the adjustment needed in said focus depthadjustment component 224; (Step-3005) The device 228 sends request tofocus depth adjustment component 224 to adjust to desired focus depth ofthe viewer as in 2294; (Step-3006) The recording device 223 recordsimage of current scene 221 of objects with adjusted focus depthadjustment component 224 and the said recorded image is transmitted toimage display 226 as in 225; (Step-3007) The image display device 226displays the updated image sent from recording devices 223 with desiredfocus depth of the viewer.

In Step-3004, the current image shown on the image display device 226may optionally be used as an input to the device 228 to compute desiredfocus depth of the viewer as in 227. Optional glasses 2291 can beintegrated with sensor 229 and positioned in front of the viewer's eye220 to allow viewer to see through, where the glasses 2291 can have thefunctions to enable any of: stereo vision, multiplexing differentviewers to share same display 226 and control same focus depthadjustment component 224, powering sensor 229, communicating betweensensor 229 and device 228, storing eye information detected by sensor229, or providing a fixed spatial reference for detector 229 to detecteye 220 pupil position. In the case of multiple users sharing samedisplay, in Step-3007, the device 228 can send to glass 2291 of eachviewer the desired focus depth information 2292 of the images shown ondisplay 226 to enable different user seeing different focus depth imageson the same image display 226; also in Step-3005, the device 228 cansend request to focus depth adjustment component 224 as in 2294 toadjust to desired focus depths of all viewers which are implemented bythe component 224 in a sequential and time slotted manner, whereas oneviewer's desired focus depth is realized by the component 224 in anassigned time slot and image recorded by device 223 during that assignedtime frame will be only shown to the said viewer by display 226 with theuse of a multiplexing device in glass 2291.

In Step 3007, an optical imaging system with a variable effective focusdepth can be disposed in the glass 2291 that the viewer's eye 220 seesthrough, wherein the effective focus depth of the system real-time andautomatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focus depth changeaccording to the focus depth information 2292 sent from device 228, suchthat the image shown on the same display 226 always appears focused onthe retina of the viewer's eye at various viewer's eye lens focus depth.Such optical image system can be any of: a single optical lens withmechanical positioning, a series or an array of optical lenses withmechanical positioning, a variable focus depth optical component that iscomposed of electrically-controlled refractive index material, anoptical component whose effective optical path for light passing throughcan be changed by an electrical signal, and an optical componentcomposed based on micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) actuated lens,mirror or prism arrays.

FIG. 23 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the third embodimentwherein brain-wave pattern sensing of re-focus intention are used. Allother steps, descriptions and procedures are same as in FIG. 22, exceptfollowing steps: (Step-3002) Brain-wave sensor 230 is positioned incontact with the viewer's head to sense the brain-wave pattern of theviewer; (Step-3003) The said brain-wave pattern is transmitted as in2393 to the device 238 for computing desired focus depth of the viewer;(Step-3004) The device 238 computes the desired focus depth of theviewer with an additional input from a brain-wave pattern data-base 239,and determines the adjustment needed in the focus depth adjustmentcomponent 234.

The fourth embodiment of the current invention is for artificial realityor augmented reality. The method according to the fourth embodimentincludes the steps of: (Step 401) Having an artificial image generationdevice, for example a computer or an image processor, that has at leastone input parameter that controls the focus depth during imagegeneration process of a scene; (Step 402) Active sensing the re-focusintention of viewer by monitoring the physiological change of viewer'svision related body function including viewer's eye lens change, withoutviewer's active participation or physical action, and generating suchphysiological change information; (Step 403) Calculating intended focusdepth and/or intended in-focus objects in the scene from thephysiological change information from Step 402; (Step 404) Adjusting theinput parameter in Step 401 to reach intended focus depth of the scenegenerated by the image generation device in Step 401; and (Step 405)Generating a scene by the generation device in Step 401 and displayingthe image of the generated scene to the viewer's eyes.

In Step 402, the said physiological change of viewer's vision relatedbody function can also include the rotational position of the viewer'seye pupil.

In Step 405, an optical imaging system with a variable effective focusdepth can be disposed in the optical path between the image and theviewer's eye, where the effective focus depth of the system isautomatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focus depth change inreal time according to the physiological change information from Step402, such that the image of Step 405 displayed on the same screenappears focused on the retina of the viewer's eye at various viewer'seye lens focus depth. Such optical image system can be any of: a singleoptical lens with mechanical positioning, a series or an array ofoptical lenses with mechanical positioning, a variable focus depthoptical component that is composed of electrically-controlled refractiveindex material, an optical component whose effective optical path forlight passing through can be changed by an electrical signal, and anoptical component composed of micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS)actuated lens, mirror or prism arrays that performs effectively as anoptical lens or an optical concave or convex mirror.

Compared to first embodiment, when a desired focus depth is calculated,instead of retrieving an image with the desired focus depth from therecording media or image database of as in first embodiment, in fourthembodiment, a parameter controlling the focus depth of the imagegenerated by the image generation device is adjusted and a new image isgenerated with the desired focus depth. The new image is then displayedto the viewer as the result of the viewer's intention to re-focus.

For Step 401, the image display can be an oblique display allowing imageto be shown to viewer by itself, or a transparent see-through displayallowing image to overlap a live scene that viewer sees.

FIG. 24 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the fourth embodimentwherein eye-lens and eye-ball sensing of eye-information are used,including: (Step-4001) An image generation device 241 producinggenerated image 242 and having a focus depth adjustment parameter 243 asone input of the image generation process; (Step-4002) A sensor 249 ispositioned in proximity to the viewer's eye 240 and collects there-focusing information or data from viewer's eye 240; (Step-4003) Thesaid re-focusing data is transmitted as in 2493 to the device 248 forcomputing desired focus depth of the viewer; (Step-4004) The device 248computes the desired focus depth of the viewer and determines theadjustment needed of said focus depth adjustment parameter 243;(Step-4005) The device 248 sends request to image generation device 241to adjust focus depth adjustment parameter 243 according to the desiredfocus depth of the viewer as in 2494; (Step-4006) The image generationdevice 241 generates image 242 reflecting the desire focus depth of theeye 240 with adjusted focus depth adjustment parameter 243 and thegenerated image 242 is transmitted to image display device 245 as in244; (Step-4007) The image display device 245 displays the updated image242 sent from the image generation devices 241 to the viewer.

In Step-4004, the current image shown on the image display device 245may optionally be used as an input to the device 248 to compute desiredfocus depth of the viewer as in 247. Optional glasses 2491 can beintegrated with sensor 249 and positioned in front of the viewer's eye240 to allow viewer to see through, where the glasses 2491 can have thefunctions to enable any of: stereo vision, multiplexing differentviewers to share same display 226 and control same focus depthadjustment parameter 243, powering sensor 249, communicating betweensensor 249 and device 248, storing eye information detected by sensor249, or providing a fixed spatial reference for detector 249 to detecteye 240 pupil position. In the case of multiple users sharing samedisplay, in Step-4007, the device 248 can send to glass 2491 of eachviewer the desired focus depth information 2492 of the images shown ondisplay 245 to enable different user seeing different focus depth imageson the same image display 245; also in Step-4005, the device 248 cansend request to focus depth adjustment parameter 243 as in 2494 toadjust to desired focus depths of all viewers which are implemented bythe parameter 243 and device 241 to generate multiple images of 242 ofsame scene with each image reflecting one viewer's desired focus andsame image will only be shown to the said same viewer by display 245with the use of a multiplexing device in glass 2491.

In Step 4007, an optical imaging system with a variable effective focusdepth can be disposed in the glass 2491 that the viewer's eye 240 seesthrough, wherein the effective focus depth of the system real-time andautomatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focus depth changeaccording to the focus depth information 2492 sent from device 248, suchthat the image shown on same display 245 always appears focused on theretina of the viewer's eye at various viewer's eye lens focus depth.Such optical image system can be any of: a single optical lens withmechanical positioning, a series or an array of optical lenses withmechanical positioning, a variable focus depth optical component that iscomposed of electrically-controlled refractive index material, anoptical component whose effective optical path for light passing throughcan be changed by an electrical signal, and an optical componentcomposed based on micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) actuated lens,mirror or prism arrays.

FIG. 25 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the fourth embodimentwherein brain-wave pattern sensing of re-focus intention are used. Allother steps, descriptions and procedures are same as in FIG. 24 case,except following steps: (Step-4002) Brain-wave sensor 250 is positionedin contact with the viewer's head to sense the brain-wave pattern of theviewer; (Step-4003) The said brain-wave pattern is transmitted as in2593 to the device 258 for computing desired focus depth of the viewer;(Step-4004) The device 258 computes the desired focus depth of theviewer with an additional input from a brain-wave pattern data-base 259,and determines the adjustment needed in the focus depth adjustmentparameter 253.

In Step 101, Step 201, Step 301 and Step 401, the image recording, orthe recorded image, or the image recording device can be any of: (1)stereoscopic to achieve re-focusable stereo vision; and (2) conventionalnon-stereoscopic to achieve re-focusable plain vision.

In Step 102, Step 202, Step 302 and Step 402, the active sensing of there-focus intention of viewer can be any of: (1) by monitoring the changeof shape or curvature of any of: the viewer's eye lens, cornea, andeyeball rotation by an optical method involving at least an opticalemitter and an optical detector; (2) by monitoring the change of theprojected image on the retina of the viewer's eye, where the projectedimage can be special patterns that are designed for sensing of re-focusintention, or the objects in the projected image that are focusedclearer than other objects in the image, where these said clearerobjects in the actual view that viewer is seeing are used to indicateviewer's focus depth and focusing point; (3) by monitoring the change ofshape or curvature of any of: the viewer's eye lens, cornea, and eyeballrotation, by an electrical method without using optical emitter oroptical detector; and (4) by monitoring the brain wave pattern change ofthe viewer.

In Step 103, Step 203, Step 303 and Step 403, the calculation ofintended focus depth can be any of: (1) by the physiological changeinformation of viewer's eye; (2) by the image currently being displayedto the viewer together with the physiological change information. Animage capturing device, for example a camera, can be in close proximityto the viewer's eyes to capture and/or record the scene that the vieweris being exposed to, wherein the eye-ball position and/or eye-lens focusdepth can be compared to the captured image to calculate the objects ofinterest that need being focused upon.

In Step 304 of the third embodiment, the adjustable component can be (1)lens or lens array, mirror or mirror array, lens and mirror combination;or (2) mechanical or electrical mechanism that changes the focusingdepth of the said recording device.

In Step 404 of the fourth embodiment, the input parameter component canbe either a software input or a hardware input.

In Step 105, Step 205, Step 305 and Step 405, the displayed image can beany of: (1) stereoscopic to achieve re-focusable stereo vision; and (2)conventional non-stereoscopic to achieve re-focusable plain vision. Theimage can be displayed on a display screen that is positioned away fromviewer's body. The image can also be displayed on a wearable displaydevice that is disposed close to viewer's eye or fixed to viewer's head.The image can also be displayed by a scanning light beam projectingdirectly into viewer's eye and forms one or multiple scanning lightspots on the viewer's eye retina, where the fast 2D scan of the lightbeam spot on retina forms perceived image by the viewer. The image canalso be displayed by an MEMS actuated mirror array reflecting one ormore light sources, or an MEMS actuated light source array, whichprojects light beams directly into viewer's eye and forms a 2D imagedirectly on the retina of the viewer's eye.

The recording media of all four embodiments can be any of: (1) an analogor film based media; (2) a digital media, for example a Charge-coupleddevice (CCD) or a Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device;and (3) a holographic media.

FIG. 26 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a feed-back loop thatcan be used during the process to achieve desired focus depth of theviewer for all embodiments.

After initial sensing re-focus intention of viewer at step 261, intendedfocus depth of the viewer is calculated at step 262 with the informationfrom step 261. Then at step 263, either image with corrected focus depthis retrieved from recording media or database as in embodiment 1 andembodiment 2, or new images are generated by adjusting the focus depthadjustment component as in embodiment 3 or by adjusting the focus depthadjustment parameter as in embodiment 4. The retrieved or updated imagefrom step 263 is displayed to the viewer in step 264. Another step ofsensing re-focus intention of viewer happens at step 265. A judgmentstep 266 of whether the desired focus depth has been reached is made byexamining the re-focus information from step 265, wherein if desiredfocus depth is reached, viewer will show no desire to re-focus from step265. Otherwise re-focus intention of viewer will still show in step 265.If desired focus depth is reached, then the re-focus adjustment processends as in step 267. If desired focus depth is not reached, anotherjudgment step 268 is made for whether the re-focus direction from step265 is in the same direction of focusing as in step 261 or not. If there-focus direction is the same, it means prior re-focus adjustment isunder-adjustment and additional re-focus adjustment shall be incrementalfrom the prior adjustment as in 269. Otherwise if the re-focus directionis opposite to step 261 direction, the prior adjustment isover-adjustment and a compensation of the over-adjustment shall be doneas in 2691. Afterwards, the loop repeats from step 262 as describedpreviously.

Such feedback loop can also be used to train the re-focus adjustmentsystem to learn and accommodate each different user's re-focus habit andmake best approach to reach desired focus depth in shortest time andfewest loops.

Before a re-focusable viewing procedure is applied to the viewer'sviewing experience, a training process can be employed to bettercalibrate the viewer's re-focus and vision intention. Images with knownand calibrated different focus depth, or objects with known andcalibrated distance from viewer, can be shown to the viewer. Theviewer's eye lens information, eye ball position, or brain-wave patternswhen viewing these images at various perceived distances, or objects atvarious spatial distances, from the viewer can be stored as calibrationstandards of the focus depth of this specific viewer. When eye lens, eyeball position or brain-wave pattern changes during a viewing event ofother images or objects, these previously stored calibration standardscan be used to be compared to such changes and extrapolate the desiredfocus depth. The training process can be done each time before are-focusable device is initially brought into utilization by a new user.It can also be done each time before a re-focusable viewing proceduretakes place.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention in static and motion pictures on a display screen 276. Images277 are displayed on an actual display screen 276 to the viewer 270. Theviewer 270 is mounted with a supporting frame 272 that may contain adata processor 2721 (not shown in FIG. 27) that computes and processesinformation collected by the eye sensor 2711. The processor 2721 canalso be a separate component not on the frame, wherein there is datacommunication between the frame 272 and the processor 2721. Supportingframe 272 supports see-through components 271 which can be composed ofany one or any combination of: (1) sensor 2711 to detect eye lens focusdepth, or eyeball position at same time; (2) Stereoscopic visionenabling device 2712; and (3) Optional multiplexing component 2713 thatchooses correct focus-depth image from display screen 276. The viewer'sperception of the displayed images 277 through the stereoscopic visiondevice 2712 is 3D objects 275 containing “object 1” and “object 2” atdifferent distances from the viewer. When viewer 270 pays attention to“object 1” and the re-focus intention is sensed by the eye sensor 2711to be upon “object 1”, the 2721 processor processes the eye sensor 2711information and sends a command to the display screen 276 or theoptional multiplex component 2713 to bring “object 1” into focus forviewer 270. “Object 1” is brought into focus in the viewer's vision asrepresented by the solid line, and “object 2” is defocused asrepresented by the dashed line. The viewer's sense of being focusing on“object 1” can be from changing the displayed images 277 on the displayscreen 276. The viewer's sense of being focusing on “object 1” can alsobe from adjusting a multiplexing component 2713 on the supporting frame272 that only displays the images 277 on the display screen 276 that hascorrect focus depth that focuses on “object 1”, in which case, multiplefocus depth images are shown concurrently on the display screen 276.

An optional camera(s) 273 can be used to record current scene on thedisplay screen 276 to help processor calculate viewer's desired focusdepth. Same re-focus function can also be achieved without thestereoscopic vision, where objects 1 & 2 appear as flat picture insteadof 3D objects in space, but can still be focused upon individually bythe viewer 270. Position, orientation and movement of viewer's head canalso be used as an input parameter when updating the images 277displayed to the viewer 270.

An optical imaging system with a variable effective focus depth can bedisposed as a part of the components 271 that the viewer's eyes seethrough, wherein the effective focus depth of the system isautomatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focus depth change inreal-time, such that the images 277 shown focused on same display 276that is at fixed distance from viewer 270 always appear focused on theretina of the viewer's eye at various viewer's eye lens focus depth. Toviewer 270, the images 277 are at different distances from viewer 270when the focus depth changes in viewer 270's eye. Such optical imagesystem can be any of: a single optical lens with mechanical positioning,a series or an array of optical lenses with mechanical positioning, avariable focus depth optical component that is composed ofelectrically-controlled refractive index material, an optical componentwhose effective optical path for light passing through can be changed byan electrical signal, and an optical component composed based onmicro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) actuated lens, mirror or prismarrays.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention in static and motion pictures with image projector 283. Images285 are displayed to the viewer by an image projector 283 that projectsimage directly into the viewer 280's eye, or by projecting or displayingan image onto a display in front of the viewer 280's eyes where thedisplay is also supported by the supporting frame 282. The viewer 280 ismounted with a supporting frame 282 that may contain computing and dataprocessing components 2821 not shown in FIG. 28. The processor 2821 canalso be a separate component not on the frame 282, wherein there is datacommunication between the frame 282 and the processor 2821.

Supporting frame supports see-through components 271 which can becomposed of any one or any combination of: (1) sensor 2711 that detectseye lens focus depth, or together with eyeball position; (2)stereoscopic vision enabling device 2712, as well as the image projector283.

The viewer 280 perception of the displayed images 285 through thestereoscopic vision device 2712 is 3D “object 1” and “object 2” atdifferent distances from the viewer 280. When the viewer 280 paysattention to “object 1” and the re-focus intention is sensed by the eyesensor 2811 on “object 1”, the processor 2821 process the eye sensor2811 information and sends command to bring “object 1” into focusedimage for viewer 280. “Object 1” is brought into focus in the viewer280's vision as represented by solid line, and “object 2” is defocusedas represented by the dashed line. The viewer 280's sense of beingfocusing on “object 1” is from changing the displayed images by theimage projector 283.

The image projector 283 can be a wearable display device that isdisposed closed to viewer 280's eye and fixed to viewer 280's head,wherein the display device has an internal image display screen and theviewer 280 sees the display screen through an optical path that makesthe effective optical distance of the image 285 shown on the displayappear at a distance that viewer can comfortably see clearly.

The image projector 283 can also be composed of a device producing ascanning light beam that projects directly into the viewer 280's eyepupil, wherein the scanning light beam projecting directly into viewer'seye forms one or multiple scanning light spots on the viewer 280's eyeretina, where the fast 2D scan of the light beam spot on retina formsperceived image by the viewer.

The image projector 283 can also be composed of a device having an MEMSactuated mirror array reflecting one or more light sources, or an MEMSactuated light source array, which projects light beams directly intoviewer 280's eye and forms a 2D image directly on the retina of theviewer 280's eye.

An optical imaging system with a variable effective focus depth can bedisposed as a part of the components 271 that the viewer's eyes seethrough, wherein the effective focus depth of the system isautomatically adjusted to the viewer's eye lens focus depth change inreal time, such that the image shown focused by image projector 283always appear focused on the retina of the viewer's eye at variousviewer's eye lens focus depth. Such optical image system can be any of:a single optical lens with mechanical positioning, a series or an arrayof optical lenses with mechanical positioning, a variable focus depthoptical component that is composed of electrically-controlled refractiveindex material, an optical component whose effective optical path forlight passing through can be changed by an electrical signal, and anoptical component composed based on micro-electro-mechanical-system(MEMS) actuated lens, mirror or prism arrays.

Same re-focus function can also be achieved without the stereoscopicvision, where “objects 1” and “object 2” appear as flat picture insteadof 3D objects in space, but can still be focused upon individually bythe viewer 280. Position, orientation and movement of viewer's head canalso be used as input parameter when updating the images displayed tothe viewer 280.

If same part appears in later figures and schematics of this currentinvention without further definition or description, it has the samefunction and definition as described above in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of thecurrent invention for enhanced vision. The application in FIG. 29 issubstantially similar as the application as illustrated in FIG. 27 andFIG. 28 except the following: (1) Images displayed to the viewer aretransmitted from an image or video recording device 294 that recordsfrom a live scene of actual objects 298; (2) Viewer's sense of beingfocusing on “object 1” is achieved by sending a command to the focusdepth adjustment component 296 of the recording device 294 to change theactual focus depth of the recording device 294 so that the “object 1” inactual scene is recorded in-focus as in 299; (3) The image of the livescene of objects 298 is recorded by the recording device 294 withcorrect focus depth reflecting the desired focus depth of the viewer 270or viewer 280, and said recorded image is then sent to be displayed tothe viewer 270 on the display screen 276 as in 292 or sent to bedisplayed to the viewer 280 by the image projector 283 as in 293; (4) Ifthe focus of 296 is not in the desired focus-depth of the viewer, afeedback of desired focus depth is sent back from the frame 272 or frame282 to the recording device 294 as in 295 and 297, to further adjust 296focus depth to reach desired focus depth; (5) The achievable focus depthof the focus depth adjustment component 296 can be different than humaneye, thus an enhanced vision can be realized by enabling viewer 270 orviewer 280 with the ability to have enhanced focus depth capability, andpreferably together with enhanced zoom range at the same time, of liveobjects 298; and (6) Position, orientation and movement of viewer 270 orviewer 280 head can also be used as input parameter when updating theimages displayed to the viewer 270 or viewer 280.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of thecurrent invention for artificial reality. The application in FIG. 30 issubstantially similar as the application illustrated in FIG. 29 exceptthe following: (1) Images displayed to the viewer are generated by animage generation device 3016; (2) Viewer's sense of being focusing onobject 1 is from sending a command to change the focus depth adjustmentparameter 3015 of the image generation device 3016 to change the focusdepth of the generated image 3018, so that the “object 1” in generatedimage 3018 is in focus; (3) Generated image 3018 with desired focusdepth is then sent to be displayed to the viewer 270 on display screen276 as in 3013 or sent to be displayed to the viewer 280 by imageprojector 283 as in 3017; (4) The image scene 3018 and objects do notactually exist in reality, but rather are computer generated artificialobjects, such that the viewer 270 or viewer 280 is viewing an imagescene 3018 that is artificial. With the artificial scene 3018,re-focusable capability and 3D vision, the viewer 270 or viewer 280 canhave an artificial reality experience; (5) If the focus of 3018 is notin the desired focus-depth of the viewer 270 or viewer 280, a feedbackof desired focus depth is sent back from the frame 272 or frame 282 tothe image generation device as in 295 and 297, to further adjust thefocus depth adjustment parameter 3015 to reach desired focus depth ofgenerated image 3018; (6) Interaction between the viewer and theartificial objects can be realized by establishing one or more of otherinput methods into the image generation device 3016, whereas exampleinputs from viewer 270 or viewer 280 are: (a) eye movement; (b) eye lipsmovement; (c) body gesture; (d) body movement; ℄ force exerted by viewer270 or viewer 280 to an external controller device; (f) vocal, opticaland electrical signals initiated by the viewer 270 or viewer 280, toachieve human-machine interaction, whereas camera(s) 3011 and 3012attached to the supporting frame can be used as the gesture and movementcapturing device.

As an example of human-machine interaction: when viewer 270 or viewer280 focuses on “object 1” and “object 1” becomes focused in the view,the viewer can do a gesture to try to rotate “object 1” in space. Thegesture is then captured by camera(s) 3011 and 3012 and sent as an inputsignal into the image generation device 3016. The image generationdevice 3016 then generates new images where the “object 1” being rotatedfrom original orientation to new orientations following viewer 270 orviewer 280 gesture. To the viewer 270 or viewer 280, the “object 1”appears to be rotating in space according to the viewer 270 or viewer280 rotating gesture. During this process, “object 2” position andorientation stays unchanged in the image and to the viewer's perception,since it is not focused upon. Position, orientation and movement ofviewer's head can also be used as input parameter to device 3016 duringthe human-machine interaction.

FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B are schematic diagrams illustrating theapplication of the current invention for augmented reality withartificial objects augmenting viewer interaction with real objects. Theapplication in FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B is substantially similar as theapplication illustrated in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 except the following: (1)Viewer 270 is viewing real object(s) (not shown in FIG. 31A or FIG. 31B)or objects on real display 276; (2) Imaginary objects 3141 and 3142,which are key pads in FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B, appear to the viewer 270 atspatial positions different than real object(s) or objects on realdisplay 276, where: (a) The imaginary object 3141 can be produced byprojecting a 3D image 314 on a common display where the real objects aredisplayed (FIG. 31A); (b) The imaginary object 3142 can be produced bythe projectors 283 on the supporting frame 282 to the viewer 270 (FIG.31B); (3) The imaginary objects 3141 and 3142 can appear as 3D objectsto viewer 270 by the stereoscopic vision enabling devices on thesee-through components 271; (4) Viewer 270 can re-focus on differentimaginary objects 3141 and 3142 and interact with the objects 3141 and3142 with body gestures, for example “touching” the objects 3141 and3142, and induce a visual or physical response from the real object(s)or objects on real display 276 in view, where: (a) Camera(s) 3111 and3112 on the supporting frame 282 can be used to capture the body gestureof the viewer 270 and measure the position of the body part 3121relative to the intended position of the imaginary objects 3141 and 3142to the viewer 270; (b) With body part position matching position of theimaginary objects 3141 and 3142, and with recognizing viewer's bodygesture, a command can be generated from the gesture and a response canbe made from the real objects or objects on real display 276.

As an example, in the FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B, when the viewer 270 touchesthe imaginary keypads 3141 and 3142 number 3 in viewing space by finger3121 at the spatial position where the number “3” buttons appear to beto the viewer 270, the display 276 will show “1+2=3”. When viewer steersaway eyes from keypad 3141 and 3142, re-focuses and looks at display ata further distance, the keypads 3141 and 3142 can appear as blurred,similar to a real key-pad in same spatial position would appear to theviewer 270, or keypads 3141 and 3142 can also just disappear from theview of viewer 270. Position, orientation and movement of viewer's headcan also be used as input parameter during interaction of viewer 270with the imaginary objects 3141 and 3142.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of thecurrent invention for augmented reality with artificial objectaugmenting real objects. The application in FIG. 32 is substantiallysimilar as the application as illustrated in FIG. 31B except thefollowing: (1) Imaginary objects 3231, 3232 and 3233 are displayed tothe viewer 270 at different spatial positions to the viewer 270, whereimaginary objects can be any of: (a) The imaginary objects 3231, 3232and 3233 are produced by the projectors 283 on the supporting frame 282that project image to the viewer 270; (b) The imaginary objects 3231,3232 and 3233 can appear as 3D objects to viewer 270 by the stereoscopicvision enabling devices on see-through components 271; (c) Imaginaryobjects 3231, 3232 and 3233 as perceived by viewer 270 are at spatialpositions that associated with, and in close proximity to, various realobjects 3221, 3222 and 3223; (2) Viewer 270 can re-focus on differentreal objects 3221, 3222 and 3223, wherein one of the correspondingimaginary objects 3231, 3232 and 3233 associated with each of realobjects 3221, 3222 and 3223 will also appear to be in-focus to viewer270 when the associated real object is in-focus; (3) When a real objectis in focus to the viewer 270, the viewer's focus point is compared tothe physical distance and position of the real objects 3221, 3222 and3223 to the viewer 270. The real object 3221, 3222 or 3223 in focus toviewer 270 will be identified as being at correct position and distancethat matches the viewer 270's intended focus depth and focus point alongthe eye-sight 324 direction. Then an imaginary object 3232 associated tothat real object 3222 being in-focus is also brought into focus inviewer 270's view and at position in proximity to the real object 3222.(4) Viewer 270 can interact with the imaginary objects associated withthe real objects with any or any combination of: (a) body gestures; (b)vocal, electrical, or optical signals, for example viewer 270 “pointingto” the imaginary object 3232 in-focus or speaking out a vocal command,wherein the said signals are acquired by a signal processor in thesupporting frame 282 or a signal processor separated from the supportingframe, and the said signals are interpreted to produce a visual changeof the imaginary object 3232 in view. Camera(s) on the supporting frame282 can be used to capture the body gesture of the viewer 270 andmeasure the position of the body part relative to the imaginary object3232 in-focus or the viewer 270's eye-sight 324 direction. With bodypart position matching the imaginary object 3232 in focus or the viewer270's eye-sight 324 direction, a command can be generated from the bodygesture and a response can be produced by the imaginary objects.Position, orientation and movement of viewer 270's head can also be usedas input parameter when updating the images displayed to the viewer 270.

For example, in FIG. 32, when the viewer 270 focuses on Building 2 of3222, the imaginary box 3232 of “Note 2” appears and in focus to theviewer 270 with physical position appear to viewer 270 to be on top onthe “Building 2” of 3222. “Note 2” 3232 can contain information aboutthe “Building 2” 3222. “Note 1” 3231 on “Building 1” 3221 and “Note 3”3233 on “Building 3” 3223 can appear blurred or entirely invisible tothe viewer 270. When viewer 270 uses a finger to point to the “Note 2”3232 direction, the cameras 3211 and 3212 on supporting frame 282captures viewer 270's hand direction and matches to “Note 2” 3232direction and makes a change of “Note 2” 3232 appearance as a responseto the gesture.

In this application, the objects 3221, 3222 and 3223 in the actual viewthat the viewer 270 is seeing will form projection image on the retinaof the viewer 270's eye. The object 3222 having the clearest projectionimage or clearer than other objects 3221 and 3223 can also be used toretrieve the information of the focus depth of the lens, and focusingpoint of the viewer 270's sight. For example, “Building 2” 3222 showsclearest image on viewer 270's retina. By identifying this object 3222from the image on the retina and comparing to the image that thecamera(s) 3211 and 3212 capture of the scene that viewer 270 is viewing,the eye lens focus depth and location of focusing point in the view ofviewer 270's eye can be obtained.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of theinvention for augmented reality with using artificial object to controlreal objects with using viewer's eye or body gestures to interact withthe real object. The application in FIG. 33 is substantially similar asthe application as illustrated in FIG. 32 except the following: (1)Viewer 270 interacts the real object 332, a TV, in FIG. 33, to cause anactual response or action of the real object 332; (2) Viewer 270interaction with the real object 332 is through the imaginary objects333 and 334 that appear and in-focus in viewer's vision when viewer 270focuses on real object 332; (3) Interaction initiated by the viewer 270is in-part by viewer 270 eye gesture, or in some embodiments togetherwith other body gestures of viewer 270. Such eye gestures can be any oneor any combination of: (a) time of stare by viewer 270 on the imaginaryobjects 333 and 334; (b) movement of viewer 270 eyeball; (c) opening andclosing of eye lips of viewer 270 and its frequency; (d) change of eyelips open width; and (e) eye-sight 324 focus point shift in space; (4)Said eye gestures can produce a change of the imaginary objects 333 and334 appearance which leads to a physical response or action of the realobject 332 that is associated with the imaginary objects 333 and 334,wherein such response of the real object 332 can be accomplished bycommunications through signals of any or any combination of: electricalsignal, optical signal, acoustic signal and radio signal, between asignal processor 2721 (not shown in FIG. 33), which processes theviewer's eye information, and in some embodiments, other input signalsfrom viewer 270 body gestures or vocal commands, and the real object332. Said communication between the processor 2721 and the real object332 can also be achieved through a wireless data network or a wirelessdata link.

As an example of this application, when the viewer 270 of FIG. 33focuses on the television 332 and with long enough time staring at thetelevision 332, or by other enabled eye or body gestures, or by vocalsignals, an imaginary menu 333 can appear to viewer 270 in proximity tothe television 332 and lists items that are related to the operation ofthe television 332. When viewer 270's eye-sight 324 focus point shiftsalong the different items of the menu 333, different items can behighlighted in viewer 270's view. Similarly, a sub-menu 334 associatedwith certain menu 333 item, for example “increase/decrease” sub-menu of“Sound” item as in FIG. 33, can appear. With viewer's eye sight 324focus point stays on a given menu item without further shifting for morethan a certain amount of time, or with a subsequent eye gestureinitiated by the viewer, for example a closing and then opening of theeye lips, or by other enabled eye or body gestures, or by vocal signals,a choice of the given menu item where the viewer's eye sight focusesupon is made. Such choice is then processed by the processor 2721 andcommunicated to the television 332 through a data network or a data linkand an action is made to TV 332, for example a decrease of “Sound”volume of TV 332 as in FIG. 33.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating a MEMS actuated micro-mirrorarray used for direct projection of image on the retina of viewer's eye.A collimated beam of projection light 343 with high directionality isprojected upon a mirror array 344. The mirror array 344 can be in theform of mirrors in a one-dimensional array that also scans in thedirection normal to the array formation, or a two-dimensional matrix.Each mirror in the mirror array is actuated by a MEMS based mechanism.The projection light 343 can be produced by a light source of any of,but not limited to: light-emission-diode (“LED”), laser diode, solid orgas based laser, and collimated halogen light. Each mirror in the mirrorarray 344 is tilted at certain angle to reflect the projection light 343into the pupil of the viewer's eye and through the eye-lens 341. Withadjusting the angle of tilting of each mirror in the mirror array 344,each light beam of the reflected light 345 from each mirror can bearranged to pass through the eye-lens 341 at the eye-lens optical centerpoint 3411, which is a preferred scheme of this method. In such scheme,the reflected light 345 beams effectively concentrate on the opticalcenter point 3411. With reflected light 345 passing through the opticalcenter point 3411, the refraction by eye-lens of the reflected light 345is minimal and reflected light 345 enters the eye in the form of astraight light beam with minimal distortion. When reflected light 345from each mirror reaches the retina 342 of the viewer's eye, a lightspot is created, which is then regarded as a pixel 346 projected by thecorresponding mirror of mirror array 344 of the projection light 343.During operation, each mirror of the mirror array 344 produces adifferent pixel 346 on the retina. With all pixels combined, an imagecan be effectively created on the retina by the mirror array.

Compared to prior arts, which uses single 2-D scanning mirror to projectlaser beam onto retina to produce image, this new method as shown inFIG. 34 with using mirror array relieves the concern of permanent retinadamage in the case of a malfunction. In prior arts using single mirrorscanning method, since a single light beam power is effectively spreadinto a larger area on the retina during scan to produce image, arealight power density on the retina can be small enough to not cause anydamage to the retina. During malfunction, if the mirror stops moving andall light power is then focused on a single spot on the retina, retinadamage is then very likely. In fact, this possibility of retina or eyedamage is one limiting factor of the prior arts adoption into commercialuse

For the method as in FIG. 34, incoming projection light 343 intensity isalready spread through all mirrors of the mirror array 344, with eachmirror only producing a light spot or pixel 346 on the retina 342 with asmall portion of the total light power of the projection light 343.During malfunction, even if the mirrors stop moving, the light pixels346 on the retina 342 stays spread out and thus damage by the focusedlight energy as in prior art with single 2-D scanning mirror can beavoided. Mirrors of 344 can reflect incoming light 343 to project uponretina 346 in sequential order, thus only one or a few mirrors reflectlight beam passing through eye lens 341 and projecting upon 346 at anygiven instant time, thus further reducing risk of eye damage.

A second advantage of the method of FIG. 34 is the speed of imagerefreshing is much faster than in prior art of single 2-D scanningmirror. In prior art of single 2-D scanning mirror, an image isrefreshed at the max speed of the single scanning light beam finishesscanning of the whole image. While in the new method of FIG. 34, theimage is refreshed at the max speed of changing the angle of a singlemirror, whereas all mirrors of the mirror array 344 can be updated oftheir angular positions in a single step, which is much faster thanscanning a single 2-D mirror to produce an entire image.

A third advantage of the new method is the ability to achievewider-viewing angle and higher resolution than prior art. The mirrorarray 344 can be formed on a curved substrate such that high anglereflection of the incoming projection light 343 by edge mirrors ofmirror array 344 can be achieved, and produce wide-viewing-angle imageon the retina 342. For prior art, largest viewing angle is limited bythe MEMS mechanism and the maximum tilting angle of the mirror. Sincethe light beam of the projection light 343 is only required to be a wideand collimated light, and the mirror size of the mirror array 344determines the reflected beam size and eventually the pixel 346 size onretina 342, with advanced lithography and manufacturing techniques, themirror size and pixel 346 size can reach micron-level or smaller,approaching or exceeding the detection resolution of the retina of ahuman eye. For prior art single mirror scanning method, due to safetyconcern as well as scanning speed and laser system limitations,micron-size light beam is not applicable to achieve the function ofdirect projection imaging.

The method as in FIG. 34 can have any one or any combination of belowfeatures: (1) The driving mechanism of the mirrors in the mirror array344 can be any of: MEMS, magnetic force, piezo effect, acoustic wave orthermal induced shape change; (2) The reflected light 345 beamseffective concentration point can be any of: eye-lens optical center3411, between eye-lens optical center 3411 and cornea, in front ofcornea and outside the eye, inside the eye and at position between theeye-lens optical center 3411 and retina 346, wherein the concentrationpoint can be either a focus point of light beam 345 or a point ofsmallest light beam 345 size; (3) The projection light 343 can bealternating between various wavelength, wherein at each differentwavelength, the mirrors of the mirror array 344 change to a differentset of angle positions, such that image projected on retina is perceivedas a color image by viewer; (4) There can be multiple projection light343 sources projecting on the mirror array 344, with each projectionlight 343 source having a different light wavelength, or differentcolor. The mirror array 344 can have multiple subsets of mirrors witheach subset of mirrors reflecting each of the multiple light 343 sourcesand produces multiple images of different colors overlapping on theretina to form a colored image.

Mirrors of mirror array 344 can be projecting pixels 346 on the retina342 with different timing instead of projecting all pixelssimultaneously, so that high local light intensity of the effectivefocus point of the reflected light 345 can be reduced to avoid damage toeye tissue.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating the micro-mirror array ofFIG. 34 being implemented with input from viewer's eye information toaccommodate the viewer's eye lens change and project image in focus onretina at varying eye lens focus depth. Similar as described in FIG. 34,a two-dimensional mirror array 354 reflects projection light 353 by eachmirror of the mirror array 354. Reflected light 355 passes through theeye-lens and produces a projected image 356 on the retina 352.

All specifications and descriptions of the mirror array 354, eye-lens351, retina 352, reflected light 355, projection light 353, andprojected image 356 are similar as the mirror array 344, eye-lens 341,retina 342, reflected light 345, projection light 343, and projectedimage 346 in FIG. 34.

However, FIG. 35 shows additional components including optical emitter357 and optical detector 358, which are used to detect the eye-lenschange and pupil position change as described in FIG. 12A through FIG.12H. The optical signal containing eye-information change regardingeye-lens and pupil is sent to a computing device 359 as shown by 3591.The computing device 359 calculates the desired focus depth from thesensed eye-information and produced updated version of the image 356 tobe projected on retina 352, which reflects the desired focus depth ofthe viewer. The updated image is sent from computer device 359 to themirror array 354 controller as shown by 3592. The mirror array 354 thenchanges accordingly to project updated image with any change of: imageshape, size, form, color, contrast, brightness or other opticalproperties to produce an effective change of viewer's perception thatfollows the focus depth change of the eye-lens of the viewer's eye.

For example, when viewer tries to see clearly of an originallyde-focused first object of many objects in the projected image 356 andchanges the eye-lens to try to focus on the first object, the mirrorarray changes accordingly such that the first object appears clearlyfocused in the projected image 356 with a final form that reflectsintended perceived spatial position of said first object having afocused image, to give the viewer a sense of 3D space and ability offocusing on the objects into the 3D space.

While the current invention has been shown and described with referenceto certain embodiments, it is to be understood that those skilled in theart will no doubt devise certain alterations and modifications theretowhich nevertheless include the true spirit and scope of the currentinvention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by examplesgiven.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system to realize virtual reality by detectingfocus point of a first eye of a viewer in a viewing space comprising: asingle probing light being emitted only towards said first eye by atleast one optical emitter; said probing light being reflected by saidfirst eye into at least one reflection light that is received by atleast one optical detector; said at least one optical detector detectinga focus depth and a pupil position of only said first eye from said atleast one reflection light; a processor calculating a line of eye sightfrom said pupil position and determining a spatial position on said lineof eye sight as said focus point, wherein distance between said spatialposition to said viewer being equal to said focus depth; an imagegenerator using said focus depth and said focus point to produce a firstimage; and an image display displaying said first image to said firsteye.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said probing light isreflected by cornea of said first eye; and wherein said focus depth isdetected from shape change of said cornea by said at least one opticaldetector from intensity and angle of said at least one reflection light.3. The method system according to claim 1, wherein said image display isone of: a screen of an electronic device; a screen for image projection;a head-mounted display; an micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) mirrorarray reflecting at least one incident light to project image ontoretina of said first eye.
 4. The system according to claim 1, whereinsaid image generator includes one of: a camera, a camcorder, a computerbased image generator, a stereo vision generation device.
 5. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one optical emitter and saidat least one optical detector are included in a see-through substrate,wherein said see-through substrate is one of: embedded in a supportingframe disposed in front of said first eye; and contacting said firsteye.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least oneoptical detector detects property of said at least one reflection lightincluding one of: the dispersion of said at least one reflection light;duration of said at least one reflection light; delay between pulses ofsaid at least one reflection light; and direction of said at least onereflection light.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said imagedisplay is fixed in distance to said first eye; wherein an opticalsystem is disposed between said image display and said first eye;wherein an effective optical focus depth of said optical system variesaccording to a change of said focus depth, thereby making said firstimage appear focused on retina of said first eye after said change ofsaid focus depth.
 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein saidoptical system includes at least one of: optical component havingelectrically controlled effective optical path; optical component havingvariable focus depth and being composed of electrically controlledrefractive index material; mechanically positioned single optical lens;mechanically positioned array of optical lenses;micro-electro-mechanical-system actuated lens; mirror array; and prismarray.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein augmented reality isachieved by: an image capture device capturing a second image of saidviewing space; said processor using said focus point to identify fromsaid second image a first object in said viewing space; displaying atleast one imaginary object by said image display to said first eyeexhibiting at least one property of said first object; generating afirst command and said processor interpreting said first command intofirst information; said processor transmitting said first informationthrough a communication means; and said first object receiving saidfirst information and performing at least one action.
 10. The systemaccording to claim 9, wherein said first command is generated by one of:(i) eye gesture being one of: time of stare by said first eye; movementof said first eye; change of eye lips open width of said first eye; andshift of said focus point in said viewing space; (ii) body gestures; and(iii) vocal commands.
 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidspatial position of said focus point is determined by: said processorcalculating at least one focus circle in said viewing space, whereinsaid focus circle centers on said viewer and has a radius equal to saidfocus depth; and said processor determining said spatial position asbeing the intersection point of said line of eye sight and said focuscircle in said viewing space.
 12. The system according to claim 1,wherein said first image includes a first object and a second object;wherein said processor uses said focus point to identify said firstobject from said first image; said image generator generating a newimage from said first image by defocusing said second object in said newimage; and said image display displays said new image to said first eye.13. A system to realize virtual reality by detecting focus point of afirst eye of a viewer in a viewing space comprising: an eye sensordetecting a focus depth and a pupil position using only said first eye;a processor determining said focus point on a line of eye sight of saidfirst eye by utilizing said focus depth and said pupil position; animage generator using said focus point to produce a first image; animage display displaying said first image to said first eye through anoptical system disposed in front of said first eye; and said opticalsystem operating to obtain an effective optical focus depth according tosaid focus depth of said first eye, thereby making said first imageappear focused on retina of said first eye.
 14. The system according toclaim 13, wherein said optical system includes at least one of: opticalcomponent having electrically controlled effective optical path; opticalcomponent having variable focus depth and being composed of electricallycontrolled refractive index material; mechanically positioned singleoptical lens; mechanically positioned array of optical lenses;micro-electro-mechanical-system actuated lens; mirror array; and prismarray.
 15. The system according to claim 13, wherein said first imageincludes a first object and a second object; wherein said processor usessaid focus point to identify said first object from said first image;said image generator generating a new image from said first image bydefocusing said second object in said new image; and said image displaydisplays said new image to said first eye.
 16. A system to detect afocus point of a first eye of a viewer in a viewing space comprising: aneye sensor detecting a focus depth and a pupil position using only saidfirst eye; a processor calculating a line of eye sight from said pupilposition of only said first eye; said processor determining a spatialposition on said line of eye sight, wherein distance of said spatialposition from said viewer equals to said focus depth; and said processorassigning said spatial position as said focus point.
 17. The systemaccording to claim 16, wherein augmented reality is realized by: animage capture device capturing a first image of said viewing space; saidprocessor identifying a first object in said viewing space from saidfirst image by said focus point; said eye sensor sensing a first eyegesture from said first eye; an image display displaying a firstdescription of a first action by said first object to said first eyeafter said first eye gesture; said eye sensor sensing a second eyegesture from said first eye; said processor interpreting said firstdescription into first information after said second eye gesture, andsending said first information through a communication means; and saidfirst object performing said first action after receiving said firstinformation.
 18. The system according to claim 17, wherein said firstand second eye gestures include at least one of: time of stare of saidfirst eye; movement of said first eye; change of eye lips open width ofsaid first eye; and shift of said focus point in said viewing space. 19.The system according to claim 16, wherein said eye sensor is included ina see-through substrate, wherein said see-through substrate is one of:embedded in a supporting frame disposed in front of said first eye; andcontacting said first eye.
 20. The system according to claim 16, whereinsaid eye sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector;wherein a probing light is emitted towards said first eye by saidoptical emitter; wherein said optical detector receives said probinglight being reflected from said first eye by at least one of: cornea;outside surface of eye lens; inside surface of eye lens; and retina.